The following are typical questions that business customers ask about the Program:
I installed qualifying equipment, but it was purchased and installed before May 31, 2011. Can I still get a rebate?
The previous Program offering for purchases and installations completed prior to May 31, 2011 is now closed. Applications must have been postmarked by June 30, 2011 to be eligible. The Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program has transitioned to a new offering, and rebates are no longer available for installations completed prior to June 1, 2011. Only those applications that were postmarked by June 30, 2011 will be processed.
I purchased qualifying equipment prior to or on May 31, 2011, but it was not installed until June 1, 2011 or later. Can I still get a rebate?
Yes. If you purchased qualifying equipment prior to or on May 31, 2011, and it was not installed until June 1, 2011 or later, please click here to apply under the current Program offering that began on June 1, 2011. Your rebate application will still be processed, even though the purchase and installation date requirements are not met. All other Program requirements apply, as outlined on the Rebate Application. Some requirements have changed. Please review the entire Rebate Application for the updated rules and requirements, including when your application must be postmarked and what to include on your contractor invoice.
Did the Program end on May 31, 2011?
The 2010-2011 Program Year ended on May 31, 2011 and a new Program began on June 1, 2011. Starting June 1, 2011, applications for qualifying equipment purchased and installed between June 1, 2011 and May 31, 2014 will be accepted within 90 days of the date of installation, or by June 30, 2014, whichever comes first. The offer is valid until funds are exhausted.
How do I apply for a rebate?
There are two ways to apply. Apply online, or simply download the rebate application, print it out, and mail it in along with your sales receipt or invoice. Visit the Apply Now page for more information. Please note: All applications, including online applications, must include Proof of Payment or Contractor Invoice submitted to the Rebate Submission Address. Please review the rebate application for all requirements.
What documentation do I need to include with my application?
All applications must include Proof of Payment or Contractor Invoice, submitted to the Rebate Submission Address listed below, which includes: equipment make, model and serial number; equipment cost and total installed cost; total number of units installed; and any additional required documentation, as listed on Page 2 of the rebate applications. Please review the rebate application for a full list of requirements, located on the Apply Now page.
Rebate Submission Address:
Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program
3800 Watt Avenue, Suite 105
Sacramento, CA 95821-2672
Program requirements state that the "discharge air configuration" must be included on the invoice for all furnace installations. What does this mean?
The "discharge air configuration," or "air flow configuration," for a furnace describes the path or direction in which a furnace releases heat. A furnace may have one of three configurations: "Upflow," "Downflow," or "Horizontal." This configuration must be included on the Itemized Contractor Invoice/Proof of Purchase Receipt. Invoices missing this information may cause a delay in processing your rebate application. If additional information is required, you will be contacted by the Program to provide this information.
An "upflow" furnace takes cool air in at the bottom of the unit, and releases hot air at the top of the unit. Upflow furances are often found in basements. A "downflow" furnace takes cool air in at the top of the unit, and releases hot air at the bottom of the unit. Downflow furnaces are often found in attics. A "horizontal" furnace takes in cool air from one side of the unit, and releases hot air from the opposite side. Horizontal furnaces are often installed where space is limited.
My equipment/product is not listed on the online application system but it meets all Program requirements. Can I still apply for a rebate?
If you have selected a qualifying equipment/product, but it is not listed in the drop-down menu on the online application system, you must apply for your rebate using a paper application. Please submit a copy of the Manufacturer Specification Sheet with your Rebate Application to the Rebate Submission Address listed above.
I purchased equipment that qualifies for a new Commercial Kitchen Equipment or Additional Space Heating Equipment rebate, but it was before June 1, 2011. Can I still apply for a rebate?
The new rebates for Commercial Kitchen Equipment and Additional Space Heating Equipment (including the Combination Boiler, Condensing Unit Heater, Infrared Heater, Programmable Thermostat and all Ovens, Broilers and other Commercial Kitchen Equipment, excluding the Pre-Rinse Spray Valves) are only available for qualifying purchases and installations that were completed on or after June 1, 2011. Any equipment or products purchased and/or installed prior to June 1, 2011 are not eligible for these rebates.
How can I check on the status of my rebate?
Please allow two to three weeks to receive your rebate check if you submit a correct and complete application. After applying online, write down your Rebate Number to use the "Check Rebate Status" link to the left. You can also find your Rebate Number on your confirmation page. If you do not apply online, call us at 877-886-4239, or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it with your account information.
How long will it take to receive my rebate?
The Program strives to process rebates as quickly as possible. The best way to ensure timely receipt of your rebate check is to provide a completed application with all supporting required documentation. Upon receipt of a completed application, the Program will provide you a rebate check within approximately two to three weeks.
How do I know if I’m an eligible customer?
All current business customers on all rate classes are eligible to participate in the Program. Public (tax payer-funded) entities and self directed customers are not eligible for the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program.
Where can I purchase a qualified product?
You can purchase qualifying products wherever water heaters, gas furnaces, boilers and other Program measures are sold, (including local retailers, online retailers, or through a professional contractor). Only equipment meeting the Program efficiency guidelines will be eligible for the rebate (please check the rebate applications on the Apply Now page for details on the Program efficiency levels and requirements).
Do I need to have a contractor install the equipment for the rebate?
Equipment and products must be installed by a professional contractor according to manufacturer specifications and state and local codes, with the exception of steam traps, programmable thermostats and pre-rinse spray valves. While the use of a professional contractor is not required for these products, it is strongly encouraged. This helps to ensure safety and the proper installation of natural gas equipment. Nicor Gas and the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program do not endorse nor guarantee any contractors or their work.
I am a landlord of an eligible commercial property. Am I eligible for the rebates?
Yes. If the gas account(s) is in your name, please complete and submit the rebate application, located on the Apply Now page. If you are applying for a rebate for a property you own, but the gas account number is in your tenant’s name, you must supply the following information:
- Installation address
- Nicor Gas account holder’s name, account number and information
- The Itemized Contractor Invoice/Proof of Purchase Receipts, signed by the purchaser of the equipment/product
- All applicable purchase invoices and required documentation
- A completed Rebate Application, signed by the tenant (Nicor Gas Account Holder), with all required documentation
How can I take advantage of the Instant Discount offer?
The Instant Discount is optional and not required by the Program. You may choose not to utilize the Instant Discount and receive the rebate directly. Should you opt to take advantage of the Instant Discount, and your contractor agrees, you can find information on the Instant Discount page.
Will someone come to my business to inspect?
By signing your rebate application, you have agreed to allow access to your business and installed product for this verification.
Will a rebate impact my taxes?
Please consult with your tax advisor to determine if rebates for energy efficiency equipment and products are considered taxable by the IRS.
Why is the Program being offered?
The Program is designed to educate customers about the benefits of high efficiency, gas-saving products and to encourage customers to install these products by providing cash incentives.
My electric utility is offering rebates for similar products. Can I apply and receive rebates for that program as well the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program?
No. Only one rebate is available for the same product. You may combine gas and electric utility rebates for different products (Nicor Gas for heating equipment and electric utility for air-conditioning) as well as add on federal tax credits and any current manufacturer or other third-party incentives.
