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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

FORM 10-K

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) or 12(g) of the Act: None

The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes o No x

All shares of common stock are owned by Nicor Inc.

Table of Contents

Item No.

*

The Registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore omitting the information called for by the otherwise required item.

Glossary

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PART I

Item 1. Business

Northern Illinois Gas Company (doing business as Nicor Gas Company), an Illinois corporation formed in 1954, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Nicor Inc., a holding company. Certain terms used herein are defined in the glossary on page i.

GENERAL

Nicor Gas, a regulated natural gas distribution utility, is one of the nation’s largest distributors of natural gas. The company serves 2 million customers, in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. The company’s service territory is diverse and has grown steadily over the years, providing the company with a well-balanced mix of residential, commercial and industrial customers. In 2002, residential customers accounted for approximately 45 percent of natural gas deliveries, while commercial and industrial customers accounted for about 25 percent and 30 percent, respectively. The company’s large residential customer base provides relative stability during weak economic periods. In addition, Nicor Gas’ industrial and commercial customer base is well diversified, lessening the impact of industry-specific economic swings. See Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Operating Statistics on page 8 for operating revenues, deliveries and number of customers by customer classification. The company has approximately 2,300 employees.

Natural gas deliveries are seasonal since about one-half are used for space heating. Typically, about 70 percent of deliveries and revenues occur from October through March. Fluctuations in weather have the potential to significantly impact year-to-year comparisons of operating income and cash flow. Since 2000, Nicor Gas has purchased earnings protection against the impact of significantly warmer weather. To partially offset the cost of this protection, beginning in 2002 Nicor Gas agreed to pay its counterparty if weather was colder than an approximate normal. Thus far for 2003, weather protection has been purchased for only the first quarter and the agreement stipulates that the maximum payment received or amount paid out will not exceed $5 million.

Nicor Gas maintains franchise agreements with most of the communities it serves, allowing it to construct, operate and maintain distribution facilities in those communities. Franchise agreement terms range up to 50 years. Currently, less than 10 percent of the agreements will expire within five years.

As described in Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Customer Choice of Commodity Supplier on page 12, all Nicor Gas customers now have the option of purchasing their own gas supplies for delivery by Nicor Gas. Large transportation customers also have options that include the use of Nicor Gas’ storage system and the ability to choose varying supply backup facilities. While Nicor Gas receives less revenue for transportation service as compared to gas sales service, the company receives a margin generally comparable to gas sales service for transportation service with full supply backup.

Nicor Gas also has several nontraditional activities, including the Chicago Hub, which provides natural gas storage and transmission-related services to marketers, other gas distribution companies and electric power-generation facilities.

SOURCES OF NATURAL GAS SUPPLY

Nicor Gas purchases natural gas supplies in the open market by contracting directly with producers and marketers. Pipeline transportation and purchased storage services are regulated by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). Firm pipeline capacity and purchased storage services held by the

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Item 1. Business (continued)

company that are temporarily not needed can be released in the secondary market under FERC-mandated capacity release provisions, with proceeds reducing the company’s cost of gas charged to customers.

The company’s peak-day requirements are met through utilization of company-owned storage facilities, firm pipeline capacity, purchased storage services and other supply sources, arranged by either Nicor Gas or its customers. Nicor Gas has been able to obtain sufficient supplies of natural gas to meet customer requirements. The company believes natural gas supply availability will be sufficient to meet market demands in the foreseeable future.

Natural gas supply. Nicor Gas maintains a diversified portfolio of natural gas supply contracts. Firm supply contracts are diversified by supplier, producing region, quantity and available transportation. Contract pricing is generally tied to published price indices so as to approximate current market prices. The contracts also generally provide for the payment of fixed demand charges to ensure the availability of supplies on any given day and are typically negotiated annually.

The company also purchases gas supplies on the spot market to fulfill its supply requirements or to take advantage of favorable short-term pricing. Spot gas purchases accounted for about one-half of the company’s total gas purchases in the last three years.

As noted previously, customers served under the company’s transportation service tariffs purchase their own gas supplies. About one-half of the gas delivered by the company in 2002 was purchased by transportation customers directly from producers and marketers rather than from the company.

Pipeline transportation. Nicor Gas is directly connected to eight interstate pipelines, providing access to most of the major natural gas producing regions in North America. The company’s primary firm transportation contracts are with: Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America, Northern Natural Gas Company, Tennessee Gas Pipeline Company, Midwestern Gas Transmission Company and ANR Pipeline. All of the capacity covered by these contracts will expire by 2004. In the first quarter of 2003, Nicor Gas renewed several of these contracts beyond 2004.

Storage. Nicor Gas owns and operates seven underground natural gas storage facilities. This storage system is one of the largest in the gas distribution industry. With about 140 Bcf of top storage capacity, the system is designed to meet about 55 percent of the company’s estimated peak-day deliveries and approximately 30 percent of its normal winter deliveries. In addition to company-owned facilities, Nicor Gas purchases about 40 Bcf of storage service. Storage provides supply flexibility and improves the reliability of deliveries.

COMPETITION/DEMAND

Nicor Gas is one of the largest utility energy suppliers in Illinois, delivering about one-third of all utility energy consumed in the state. Substantially all single-family homes in Nicor Gas’ service territory are heated with natural gas. The company’s natural gas services compete with other forms of energy, such as electricity and oil, based on such factors as price, service, reliability and environmental impact. Significant factors that impact demand for natural gas include weather, economic conditions and price. While natural gas prices fluctuated greatly over the last several years, Nicor Gas has traditionally maintained a pricing advantage over electricity and expects to maintain an advantage in the foreseeable future.

Additional information on competition and demand is presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Factors Affecting Business Performance beginning on page 10.

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Item 1. Business (concluded)

REGULATION

Nicor Gas is regulated by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC), which establishes the rules and regulations governing utility rates and services in Illinois. Rates are generally designed to allow the company to recover its costs and provide an opportunity to earn a fair return for its investors. Significant changes in the regulations applicable to Nicor Gas or its affiliates, or the regulatory environment in general, could affect the performance of Nicor Gas.

The cost of gas the company purchases for customers is recovered through a monthly gas supply charge, which accounted for approximately 75 percent of a typical residential customer’s annual bill in the last three years. The company’s cost of gas is passed on to the customer without markup.

Nicor Gas’ performance-based rate (PBR) plan for natural gas costs went into effect in 2000 and was terminated by the company effective January 1, 2003. Under the PBR plan, Nicor Gas’ total gas supply costs were compared to a market sensitive benchmark. Savings and losses relative to the benchmark were determined annually and shared equally with sales customers. The PBR plan is currently under ICC review. Additional information on the plan is presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Performance-Based Rate Plan beginning on page 14.

The company’s Customer Select® program offers customers a choice of natural gas suppliers. Additional information on the program is presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Customer Choice of Commodity Supplier on page 12.

ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS

For information on environmental matters, see Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Contingencies beginning on page 14 and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Contingencies beginning on page 34.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Nicor Gas files various reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The reports include the annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Nicor Gas makes all of these reports available without charge to the public on Nicor’s web site at www.nicor.com as soon as reasonably practicable after Nicor Gas files them with, or furnishes them to, the SEC.

Additional information about Nicor Gas’ business is presented in Management’s Discussion and Analysis beginning on page 11.

Item 2. Properties

The company’s properties are located in the territory described under Item 1, Business, and are suitable, adequate and utilized in its operations.

The gas distribution, transmission and storage system includes approximately 31,000 miles of steel, plastic and cast iron main; approximately 28,000 miles of steel, plastic/aluminum composite, plastic and copper service pipe connecting the mains to customers’ premises; and seven underground storage fields.

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Item 2. Properties (concluded)

Other properties include buildings, land, motor vehicles, meters, regulators, compressors, construction equipment, tools, communication and computer equipment, software, and office equipment.

Most of the company’s distribution and transmission property, and underground storage fields are located on property owned by others and used by the company through easements, permits or licenses. The company owns most of the buildings housing its administrative offices and the land on which they sit.

Substantially all properties are subject to the lien of the indenture securing the company’s first mortgage bonds.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

See Management’s Discussion and Analysis — Contingencies beginning on page 14 and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Contingencies beginning on page 34, which are incorporated herein by reference.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

All of the outstanding common stock of Nicor Gas is owned by Nicor Inc. There is no public trading market for the company’s common stock. During 2002 and 2001, the company declared dividends on its common stock totaling $85 million and $90 million, respectively.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The purpose of this financial review is to explain changes in Nicor Gas’ operating results and financial condition from 2000 to 2002, and to discuss business trends and uncertainties that might affect Nicor Gas. Certain terms used herein are defined in the glossary on page i.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Nicor Gas’ net income was $109.1 million, $98.8 million and $12.6 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Nicor Gas’ net income was significantly impacted by the effects of Nicor Gas’ mercury inspection and repair program in 2002, 2001 and 2000. A charge of $148 million was recorded as operating expense in 2000 to establish a reserve related to the program. In 2002 and 2001, the recognition of partial recoveries from insurers and contractors and reserve reductions lowered operating expenses by $29.0 million and $12.2 million, respectively. For details of Nicor Gas’ mercury inspection and repair program, see the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements – Mercury Program beginning on page 37.

Net income was higher in 2002 compared with 2001 due primarily to insurance recoveries related to the mercury inspection and repair program, increased natural gas deliveries, lower losses related to a performance-based rate (PBR) plan, and decreased interest expense. Overall results were negatively impacted by higher operating costs, including lower pension credits, increased legal and accounting costs in 2002, higher depreciation and higher health care costs.

Net income was significantly higher in 2001 compared with 2000 reflecting changes in mercury-related costs and recoveries, greater customer finance charges and increased contributions from the Chicago Hub, which provides gas supply-related services. These improvements more than offset the impact of reduced natural gas deliveries, certain increased operating expenses related to higher average natural gas prices, greater losses from the company’s PBR plan and increased depreciation.

Operating revenues. Operating revenues decreased from $2,105.6 million in 2001 to $1,594.8 million in 2002 due primarily to significantly lower average natural gas costs, which are passed directly through to customers without markup. The revenue effect of the lower average natural gas costs is estimated to be approximately $575 million. The revenue effect of the lower natural gas costs was partially offset by the impact of colder weather on deliveries ($85.2 million) in 2002 compared to 2001.

Operating revenues increased $222.1 million in 2001 due primarily to significantly higher average natural gas costs and related revenue taxes, which are both generally passed directly through to customers without markup. The revenue effect of the higher average natural gas costs in 2001 compared to 2000 is approximately $300 million. Partially offsetting the effect of the higher average 2001 natural gas costs were the estimated effects of lower deliveries ($134 million) due to warmer weather, energy conservation and economic conditions.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Margin. Nicor Gas utilizes a measure it refers to as “margin” to evaluate the operating income impact of gas distribution revenues. Gas distribution revenues include gas costs, which are passed directly through to customers without markup, and revenue taxes, for which Nicor Gas earns only a small administrative fee. These items often cause significant fluctuations in gas distribution revenues, and yet they have virtually no direct impact on gas distribution operating income. Therefore, Nicor Gas and many other gas utility companies exclude these items in evaluating performance. A reconciliation of gas distribution revenues and margin is as follows (in millions):

Margin increased $13.2 million in 2002. Contributing to the 2002 improvement were the positive effects of increased natural gas deliveries unrelated to weather ($6.6 million) and colder weather ($4.3 million), and increased contributions from the Chicago Hub ($2.3 million), which provides gas supply-related services. These positive factors were partially offset by lower revenues from customer finance charges ($4.8 million). The reduction of revenues from customer finance charges is related to lower levels of customer receivables arising from reduced natural gas prices in 2002.

Positively affecting margin for 2001 compared to 2000 were greater customer finance charges ($7.1 million) and larger contributions from the Chicago Hub ($6.9 million). Lower customer demand ($12.4 million) negatively impacted results in 2001. Reduced customer demand for natural gas in 2001 resulted from warmer weather, energy conservation and economic conditions. The negative impact of warmer weather in 2001 versus 2000 ($5.1 million) was partially offset by benefits from the company’s weather hedge ($4.2 million).

Operating and maintenance. Operating and maintenance expense for 2002 and 2001 was $199.6 million and $177.1 million, respectively. The $22.5 million increase reflects smaller pension credits ($14.1 million), increased legal and accounting costs related primarily to the PBR plan review ($8.7 million) and increased health care costs ($5.0 million). These increases were partially offset by lower natural gas costs to operate company equipment and facilities ($4.2 million).

Operating and maintenance expenses increased by $10.7 million in 2001 to $177.1 million. The increase was due primarily to higher bad debt expenses ($6.7 million) and the higher costs of natural gas used to operate company equipment and facilities ($4.8 million) in 2001 resulting from higher natural gas prices. Partially offsetting these increases were higher pension credits ($3.7 million) in 2001 compared to 2000. The higher bad debt expense and company-use gas cost in 2001 were due primarily to unusually high natural gas prices in the fourth quarter of 2000 and the first quarter of 2001.

Operating and maintenance expense included pension credits of $9.2 million, $23.3 million and $19.6 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. For more details concerning fluctuations in the pension credits, see the Factors Affecting Business Performance – Gas Distribution – Pension Investment Returns section on page 12.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Mercury-related costs (recoveries). Mercury-related costs (recoveries) reflect the estimated costs, credits and recoveries associated with the company’s mercury inspection and repair program. In 2002, Nicor Gas reached an agreement with an insurer whereby the company recovered approximately $20 million of mercury-related costs. In both 2002 and 2001, a $9 million adjustment lowered the mercury-related reserve and reduced operating expense. Operating income for 2001 also reflected $3.2 million in mercury-related recoveries. The $148 million of mercury-related costs in 2000 represents the original charge to establish the mercury program reserve. Additional information about the company’s mercury inspection and repair program is presented in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Contingencies — Mercury Program beginning on page 37.

Other income (expense). Pretax other income (expense) increased $7.0 million in 2002. Contributing to the 2002 improvement were lower PBR plan losses compared to 2001 ($10.7 million). Additional information related to the PBR plan is described in the Contingencies — Performance-Based Rate Plan section beginning on page 34. Other income for 2002 was negatively impacted by lower interest income ($1.6 million) compared to 2001.

Pretax other income (expense) decreased $9.3 million in 2001 due primarily to increased PBR plan losses ($11.6 million) and decreased property sale gains ($2.4 million). These negative factors were partially offset by increased interest income ($2.6 million) in 2001, due primarily to higher short-term investment balances, and increased income from energy system development contracts ($1.9 million).

Interest expense. Interest on debt decreased $10.3 million in 2002 due to lower average borrowing levels and interest rates in 2002 compared to 2001. Interest expense increased $1.3 million in 2001 due primarily to increased average borrowing levels.

Income taxes. The 4 percent effective income tax rate for 2000 varied from its historical level of about 37 percent due to the effect of the unusual charge related to the mercury program. Lower pretax income typically results in a lower effective income tax rate because tax credits and other permanent tax differences represent a larger share of pretax income.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Operating Statistics

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND LIQUIDITY

The company believes it has access to adequate resources to meet its needs for capital expenditures, debt redemptions, dividend payments and working capital. These resources include net cash flow from operating activities, access to capital markets and lines of credit.

Operating cash flows. Net cash flow provided from operating activities was $221.7 million, $437.5 million and $201.6 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Year-to-year changes in operating cash flow result largely from fluctuations in working capital items because of factors including weather, the price of natural gas, the timing of collections from customers and gas purchasing practices. The company generally relies on short-term financing to meet temporary increases in working capital needs.

Investing activities. Capital expenditures were $169.5 million in 2002 compared with $149.8 million in 2001 and $124.6 million in 2000. The increase in 2002 capital expenditures was related to the acquisition of a compressor at a storage facility and higher capitalized employee benefit costs. Capital expenditures were higher in 2001 than in 2000 due primarily to increased information technology projects and improvements to the company’s operating system. Capital spending in 2003 is expected to be about $160 million.

Financing activities. As of the filing date of this report, Nicor Gas has long-term debt ratings that are among the highest in the gas distribution industry. Because of uncertainties pertaining to the energy industry in general and to the company, as described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Contingencies beginning on page 34, the rating agencies put Nicor Gas’ long-term debt ratings under review for possible downgrade or on credit watch with negative implications in 2002. Moody’s Investors Service and Fitch Ratings have also put the company’s commercial paper on credit watch. On November 5, 2002, Fitch Ratings lowered its rating on Nicor Gas’ long-term debt to AA from AA+. Nicor Gas’ F1+ short-term debt rating was unchanged. Lower ratings could cause higher interest costs. Nicor Gas’ financial statistics at December 31 include:

Interest coverage for 2000 was negatively affected by the unusual mercury-related charge.

Long-term debt. Nicor Gas is in compliance with its debt covenants and believes it will remain so even if its debt ratings are lowered. Nicor Gas’ debt agreements do not include ratings triggers or material adverse change provisions. Net proceeds from securities issued are typically used for refinancing outstanding debt, construction programs to the extent not provided by internally generated funds, and general corporate purposes.

In April 2002, Nicor Gas issued $50 million of 3 percent unsecured notes due in April 2003 with the proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes. Nicor Gas plans to refinance at least $100 million of long-term debt in 2003.

In 2001, Nicor Gas issued the following First Mortgage Bonds: $50 million due in 2006 at 5.55%, $75 million due in 2008 at 5.875%, $75 million due in 2011 at 6.625%, and $50 million due in 2016 at 7.2%. Retirements of First Mortgage Bonds in 2001 were as follows: $75 million due in 2001 at 6.45%, $50

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

million due in 2002 at 6.75%, $50 million due in 2021 at 8.875%, and $50 million due in 2025 at 7.26%. During 2001, Nicor Gas also retired $50 million of variable-rate unsecured notes. As a result of these activities, Nicor Gas’ weighted average interest rate for long-term debt at December 31, 2001 was 6.3% compared with 6.8% at December 31, 2000.

In January 2000, Nicor Gas issued $50 million of variable-rate unsecured notes due in 2001 at an initial rate of 6.11% to fund the redemption of $50 million of unsecured notes at 5.065% due in 2000.

Short-term debt. At December 31, 2002, the company had line of credit agreements with five major domestic and foreign banks. These agreements, which serve as backup for the issuance of commercial paper, allow for borrowings of up to $409 million through March 31, 2003 and $334 million thereafter through September 30, 2003. At December 31, 2002 the company had $315 million of commercial paper borrowings outstanding. Nicor Gas had $227 million of commercial paper outstanding at year-end 2001. Under the company’s 2002/2003 short-term line of credit agreements, if Nicor Inc.’s ratio of consolidated total indebtedness to capitalization (including short-term debt) exceeds 65% during the term of the credit facility while there are short-term bank loans outstanding, each bank may at its option declare any amounts due immediately payable and/or terminate its commitment to make advances to the company. The company expects that commercial paper funding will continue to be available in the foreseeable future.

Common and preferred stock. The company paid dividends of $109.4 million, $72.3 million and $106.4 million in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Commitments. For a summary of Nicor Gas’ contractual obligations, refer to the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Contractual Obligations on page 34.

FACTORS AFFECTING BUSINESS PERFORMANCE

The following factors can impact year-to-year comparisons and may affect the future performance of Nicor Gas.

Critical accounting policies and estimates. Nicor Gas prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, which regularly requires Nicor Gas’ management to exercise judgment in the selection and application of accounting methods. The application of accounting methods includes making estimates using subjective assumptions and judgments about matters that are inherently uncertain.

The selection of accounting methods and the use of estimates affect Nicor Gas’ reported results and financial condition. The company has adopted several significant accounting policies that are important to understanding its financial statements and are described in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Accounting Policies beginning on page 26. Management is also required to make significant estimates, which are similarly described in the footnotes.

Although there are numerous areas in which Nicor Gas’ management makes significant estimates or judgments, it believes its critical estimates or judgments involve derivative instruments, unbilled revenues, credit risk and loss contingencies because they are susceptible to material change and could materially impact Nicor Gas’ financial statements.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Nicor Gas is required to estimate credit risk in establishing allowances for doubtful accounts. Actual credit losses could vary materially from Nicor Gas’ estimates. Nicor Gas’ estimated allowance for doubtful accounts at December 31, 2002, was $14.4 million.

Nicor Gas records loss contingencies as liabilities when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of loss is reasonably estimable. Nicor Gas is involved in various legal proceedings and exposed to various loss contingencies (see discussion in Contingencies beginning on page 14 and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Contingencies beginning on page 34). These loss contingencies are in some cases resolved in stages over time, estimates may change significantly from period to period, and the company’s ultimate obligations may differ materially from its estimates. Of particular note is the PBR plan contingency described beginning on page 14 and in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements – Contingencies – Performance-Based Rate Plan beginning on page 34.

Gas distribution. Nicor Gas, a regulated natural gas distribution utility, serves two million customers in a service territory that encompasses most of the northern third of Illinois, excluding the city of Chicago. The region’s economy is diverse and has grown steadily over the years, providing Nicor Gas with a well-balanced mix of residential, commercial and industrial customers. In 2002, residential, commercial and industrial customers accounted for approximately 45 percent, 25 percent and 30 percent of natural gas deliveries, respectively.

Weather. Since about one-half of gas deliveries are used for space heating, fluctuations in weather have the potential to significantly impact year-to-year comparisons of operating income and cash flow. Since 2000, Nicor Gas has purchased earnings protection against the impact of significantly warmer weather. To partially offset the cost of this protection, beginning in 2002 Nicor Gas agreed to pay its counterparty if weather is colder than an approximate normal. Thus far for 2003, weather protection has been purchased for only the first quarter and the agreement stipulates that the maximum payment received or amount paid out will not exceed $5 million.

Demand and natural gas prices. In addition to the impact of weather, significant changes in economic conditions or natural gas prices can impact customer gas usage. However, Nicor Gas’ large residential customer base provides relative stability during weak economic periods, and the industrial and commercial customer base is well diversified, lessening the impact of industry-specific economic swings. Nicor Gas’ growth in natural gas deliveries has traditionally come from customer additions and increased usage by existing commercial and industrial customers, including power-generation facilities. Although commercial and industrial deliveries declined in 2001, they increased in 2002 and the company anticipates continued long-term growth attributable to these factors. A partial offset is expected as customers install more energy-efficient equipment.

Changes in the price of natural gas have no direct impact on Nicor Gas’ margin since gas costs are passed directly through to customers without markup. However, high natural gas prices can have an adverse effect on accounts receivable collections, customer demand, company-use gas expenses, financing costs and customer service expenses.

Competition. Nicor Gas competes with other energy suppliers based on such factors as price, service and reliability. The company believes that it is well positioned to deal with the possibility of fuel switching by customers because it has rates and services designed to compete against alternative fuels. In addition,

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

the company has a rate that allows negotiation with potential bypass customers, and no customer has bypassed the Nicor Gas system since the rate became effective in 1987. Nicor Gas also offers commercial and industrial customers alternatives in rates and service, increasing its ability to compete in these markets.

Storage and supply. Nicor Gas has a direct connection to multiple interstate pipelines and extensive underground storage capacity that provides the company and its transportation customers with flexibility and alternatives for natural gas supply procurement and storage services. In addition, in an effort to ensure supply reliability, the company purchases gas from several different producing regions under varied contract terms.

Customer choice of commodity supplier. The company’s Customer Select® program offers customers a choice of natural gas suppliers. Nicor Gas made its Customer Select program available to all residential customers beginning in March 2002. Previously, supplier choice was available to only industrial customers and, under a Customer Select pilot program, all commercial customers and about 15 percent of residential customers. In the program’s first four years, about one-third of eligible business customers and one-quarter of eligible residential customers signed up. The choice of another natural gas commodity supplier has no direct impact on Nicor Gas’ distribution margin because natural gas costs are passed directly through to customers without markup. Nicor Gas continues to deliver the natural gas, maintain its distribution system and respond to emergencies.

Customer credit risk. Nicor Gas has a diversified customer base, which limits its exposure to concentrations of credit risk in any one industry or income class. The company believes that it maintains prudent credit policies, subject to ICC regulations. Customers also have options to help them manage their bills, such as energy assistance programs for low-income customers and a budget payment plan that spreads gas bills more evenly throughout the year. However, high natural gas prices can increase the risk of customer nonpayment. Nicor Gas experienced increased bad debt expense in 2002, 2001 and 2000 that was higher than historical levels due primarily to significantly higher natural gas prices. It is expected that higher natural gas prices will continue in 2003. See also the Credit Risk section beginning on page 13.

Pension investment returns. Nicor Gas maintains noncontributory defined benefit pension plans covering substantially all employees hired prior to 1998. Net income related to net periodic benefit credits represented 5 percent, 14 percent and 94 percent of Nicor Gas’ net income in 2002, 2001, and 2000, respectively. The 2000 percentage was significantly affected by Nicor Gas’ lower net income in 2000, which resulted from the unusual mercury program charge. For actuarial valuation purposes, Nicor Gas utilizes an October 1 measurement date to determine the company’s pension expense or credit for the subsequent calendar year. During the 12 months ended September 30, 2001, the pension plans experienced poor investment returns consistent with general market conditions, negatively impacting the company’s 2002 operating income. The company’s pension credit included in operating income in 2002 was $9.2 million compared to $23.3 million in 2001. The October 1, 2002 actuarial valuation reflected even lower asset values which, along with changes in actuarial assumptions, will lead to a materially lower pension credit for 2003, reducing operating income by about $9 million. Actuarial assumptions affecting 2003 include an expected rate of return on plan assets of 8.75 % and a discount rate of 6.75%. The pension plans are adequately funded, and recent market performance is not expected to impact participant benefits or future company contributions. However, further substantial declines in market performance or changes to actuarial assumptions could require future company contributions.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

Nontraditional activities. Nicor Gas continues to pursue nontraditional activities, including the Chicago Hub, which provides natural gas transportation and storage services. The Chicago area is a major market hub for natural gas, and demand exists for storage-related and transmission-related services by marketers, other gas distribution companies and electric power-generation facilities. During 2002, 2001, and 2000, the Chicago Hub contributed to operating income $15.4 million, $13.0 million, and $6.1 million, respectively. Nicor Gas also continues to assess its ownership of real estate holdings.

Other operating expenses. Health care costs have been rising and Nicor Gas expects significant additional increases. Nicor Gas is also experiencing, and expects to continue to experience, higher insurance costs due to a tightening insurance market and company loss experience. These cost increases, either collectively or individually, could materially reduce Nicor Gas’ future results of operations.

Regulation. Nicor Gas is regulated by the ICC, which establishes the rules and regulations governing utility rates and services in Illinois. Rates are generally designed to allow the company to recover its costs and provide an opportunity to earn a fair return for its investors. Significant changes in the regulations applicable to Nicor Gas or its affiliates, or the regulatory environment in general, could affect the performance of Nicor Gas. Information regarding certain ICC proceedings is presented within the Contingencies – Performance-Based Rate Plan section beginning on page 14 and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Contingencies — Performance-Based Rate Plan beginning on page 34. In addition, Nicor Gas provides certain FERC-regulated storage and transportation services, and information concerning FERC-regulated activities is discussed in the Contingencies — Hub Services section and the Contingencies — Other FERC Matters section on page 17.

Market risk. The company is exposed to market risk in the normal course of its business operations, including the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in natural gas commodity prices and interest rates. It is Nicor Gas’ practice to manage these risks utilizing derivative instruments and other methods, as deemed appropriate.

Commodity price risk. With regard to commodity price risk, the company has established policies and procedures governing the management of such risks and the use of derivative commodity instruments to hedge its exposure to such risks. A risk management committee oversees compliance with such policies and procedures.

Nicor Gas is generally not exposed to market risk caused by changes in commodity prices because of Illinois rate regulation allowing for the recovery of prudently incurred natural gas supply costs from customers. However, Nicor Gas’ PBR plan for natural gas costs created some exposure to commodity price risk. The company’s exposure to this market risk was partially mitigated because the PBR plan compared actual gas costs to a market-sensitive benchmark as opposed to a fixed benchmark. Nicor Gas terminated the PBR plan effective January 1, 2003.

Substantial increases in natural gas prices may impact Nicor Gas’ earnings by increasing the cost of gas used by the company, bad debt expense and other operating expenses. Higher natural gas prices may also lead to lower customer gas consumption. The company is addressing certain of these risks with fixed-rate purchase agreements, futures contracts and swap agreements to reduce the financial impacts arising from natural gas price changes.

Credit risk. The company is also exposed to credit risk in the event a counterparty, customer or supplier defaults on a contract to pay for or deliver product at agreed-upon terms and conditions. To manage this risk, the company has established procedures to determine and monitor the creditworthiness of

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (continued)

counterparties, to require guarantees or collateral back-up, and to limit its exposure to any one counterparty. In some instances, Nicor Gas uses, and is entering into additional master netting arrangements to mitigate counterparty credit risk.

On December 2, 2001 Enron North America Corporation (Enron) filed a voluntary petition for relief under Chapter 11 of Title XI of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. At the date of Enron’s bankruptcy filing, the net amount due to Enron from Nicor Gas was $2.8 million, and the net amount due to Enron from Nicor Enerchange was $.9 million. Nicor Gas and Nicor Enerchange have filed their appropriate proof of claims with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. In February of 2003 Enron and Nicor Enerchange entered into a settlement and mutual release whereby Nicor Enerchange will pay to Enron an amount of $.9 million in full settlement and release of all amounts due Enron. The settlement agreement entered into between Enron and Nicor Enerchange was approved on February 11, 2003 by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Nicor Gas and Enron are currently in the process of negotiating a settlement of all amounts currently due Enron.

Interest rate risk. Nicor Gas is exposed to changes in interest rates. The company manages its interest rate risk by issuing long-term fixed-rate debt with varying maturities, refinancing certain debt and periodically hedging the interest rate on anticipated borrowings. For further information about debt securities, interest rates and fair values, see the Financial Statements - Consolidated Statements of Capitalization on page 24 and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Fair Value of Financial Instruments on page 29 and the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — Short-Term and Long-Term Debt on page 29.

Accounting policies. The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued key accounting pronouncements in 2002. For further information about these pronouncements, see the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements — New Accounting Pronouncements beginning on page 27. In addition, effective January 1, 2003, Nicor Gas will use a straight-line method for interim depreciation, a method used by other companies in its industry. Previously, Nicor Gas allocated depreciation to interim periods based upon the level of weather-normalized gas deliveries each quarter.

Contingencies. The following contingencies of Nicor Gas are in various stages of investigation or disposition. Although the company is unable to estimate the amount of loss reason