Lake Carroll News, June 2014
The Nicor Project Two Perspectives
NICOR By Duanne Bourne
On Saturday, May 3, Nicor Gas hosted a second town hall meeting to share information about how residents of Lake Carroll can receive natural gas service to their homes. Nicor Gas is currently delivering American, abundant and affordable natural gas to the community clubhouse and recreation area, and is now installing the pipeline infrastructure that will deliver this product safely and reliably to homes throughout the community. Switching to natural gas is as easy as 1 – 2 – 3 1. Contact the Lake Carroll Association The association will be able to provide you with an association application and permit fee schedule, as well Nicor Gas’ natural gas conversion folder. . The folder contains all of the information you need to start the conversion process with Nicor Gas. . 2. Schedule an appointment with a Nicor Gas representative The representative will take measurements, assist you in determining meter placement, and inform you of any applicable installation costs. . Nicor Gas representatives are on-site in Lake Carroll every Wednesday and periodic Saturday’s. . Visit the association office to schedule your appointment. 3. Consult with a qualified contractor Nicor Gas recommends consulting with a qualified heating and plumbing professional to determine any conversion needs inside your home. They will also assist you in safely connecting the natural gas meter to your natural gas piping and appliances. Once the installation is complete and you have your appliances safely connected, you will be ready to enjoy the comfort, convenience and reliability of natural gas. Don’t forget, once you are a Nicor Gas customer you can receive incentives and rebates for installing energy-efficient natural gas appliances through the Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program. Visit nicorgasrebates.com for more information.
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Page 13A
By Frank Schoff
As we consider the comments we hear concerning the NICOR project, it is obvious that there are two distinctly different views on the project. One view is the Corporate View; the other view is the Personal Perspective. From the Corporate view point, large projects are viewed from the viewpoints of “Return on Investment” (ROI), and “spending money to make money”. From a personal point of view, large financial expenditures are considered on “affordability”. On a personal basis, whenever we are faced with a potentially large expenditure, we ask ourselves “can we afford it?” not “what is the payback?” We are fortunate that, in the past few years, the LCA Board of Directors made a corporate decision to convert the large propane users – the Clubhouse, the Lodge, and the Swimming Pool to natural gas. That decision will reduce the LCA members’ costs and in effect give us a “Return on Investment”. To accomplish that goal, the LCA made an agreement with NICOR to provide natural gas service throughout Lake Carroll. The decision to convert our personal residence from propane to natural gas is not mandatory and can be made at our discretion at any time in the future. Ultimately, there will be NICOR pipelines on all residential right-of-ways, but there will not be a NICOR line extending to your residence, unless you register to convert. There will be costs associated with converting from propane to NICOR. Those costs include the NICOR line to your residence, and converting your appliances to natural gas. In effect, each homeowner will have an opportunity to ask themselves the questions “Can we afford it?” and “What is the Return on the Investment?” And there will be returns on your investments, because the cost of using natural gas (NICOR) will be considerably less than using propane. There are worksheets available at the LCA Office that can be used to calculate the savings related to converting to NICOR. Based on various calculations we have heard of so far, the conversion from propane to natural gas will pay off in the five to ten year timeframe, and will represent savings after that. In effect, each of us now has the option of making a Return on Investment (ROI)(a corporate decision) and a personal decision on the question “Can we afford it?” This decision process may be complicated, but does not need to be controversial. The final decision will be up to us as individual homeowners. •R Refine your Palate...Soothe the Spirit • Hand-crafted Wines + Imported Olive Oils & Balsamic Vinegars + Illinois Cheeses Check Website and Facebook for special events!
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