Nicor Energy LLC said yesterday that it began supplying 30% ofIllinois’ state-run buildings as of Jan. 1. Under arecently-finalized agreement with the Illinois Department ofCentral Management Services the Nicor-Dynegy partnership willsupply the buildings with 2.8 Bcf during the 18-month term.

“Heating and cooling the more than 200 buildings that are partof this agreement represent a significant portion of the state’senergy budget. We’re looking to rapidly expand the state’s bulkpurchasing of energy to realize the greatest savings,” said Dr.William Worek, director of the UIC Energy Resources Center (ERC).The contract calls for Nicor Energy to partner with the ERC of theUniversity of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) — the state’s energyadvisor.

The state buildings covered by the contract are located in thenorthern part of the state and range considerably in size andoperations. They include small office buildings, youth centers andlarge correctional facilities.

“We’re extremely pleased to serve Central Management Servicesand look forward to working with the Energy Resources Center,” saidKevin Stoffer, CEO Nicor Energy. “Our organizations share acommitment to efficient and economical use of energy and everyoneinvolved is looking forward to working together.”

In addition to natural gas supplied by Nicor Energy, theagreement calls for Nicor to work collaboratively with the ERC toestablish an energy management program for Central ManagementServices. Services to be provided by the Nicor/ERC team includeenergy analyses at many properties, recommendations for energyconservation and identification of savings opportunities. services.

“We’ve collaborated with Nicor on a number of successfulprojects, and we’re looking forward to working together to realizeadditional savings at the Illinois facilities covered in thiscontract,” said Worek. Our goal is to assist in developing a planfor Illinois to become one of the most energy efficient states inthe U.S.”

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