SAINTE-CLAIRE, QC, June 19, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Gaz Métro is thrilled with the announcement from the Honourable Steven Blaney, MP for Lévis-Bellechasse and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Pierre Arcand, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and Minister responsible for the Plan Nord, and Dominique Vien, MNA for Bellechasse, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Chaudière-Appalaches region, confirming a $35 million joint investment in a project to extend the natural gas network in the Bellechasse region. For its part, as per Régie de l'énergie criteria, Gaz Métro will contribute a full $7 million to this project which promises to stimulate Bellechasse's economic development and improve its environmental performance.
"The project has been made possible thanks to the mobilization of the business community, municipal officials and the will of governments to make this concrete gesture to encourage the sustainable development of our company and the prosperity of our institutions," said Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gaz Métro.
The project aims to extend the Gaz Métro network in the Bellechasse region, between the municipalities of Lévis and Sainte-Claire, including St-Henri and St-Anselme, covering a total distance of approximately 60 km. The new network, whose costs are estimated at $42 million, could serve some 100 customers who will consume 9.2 million m3 of natural gas. Once fully operational, the natural gas system will reduce GHG emissions by close to 6,000 tons and result in energy cost savings of around $2.5 million per year.
This extension will be realized thanks in large part to the $38 million envelope announced by the Québec government on the heels of the 2015-2016 budget, so that regions like Bellechasse can now reap the benefits of natural gas. Following approval from the Régie de l'énergie, construction will begin in spring 2016 to make natural gas available as of December the same year.
Gaz Métro
With more than $6 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is a leading energy provider. It is the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec, where its network of over 10,000 km of underground pipelines serves more than 300 municipalities and more than 195,000 customers. Gaz Métro is also present in Vermont, producing electricity and distributing electricity and natural gas to meet the needs of more than 305,000 customers. Gaz Métro is actively involved in the development and operation of innovative, promising energy projects, including natural gas as fuel and liquefied natural gas as a replacement for higher emission-producing energies, the production of wind power, and the development of biomethane. Gaz Métro is a major energy sector player that takes the lead in responding to the needs of its customers, regions and municipalities, local organizations and communities while also satisfying the expectations of its Partners (Gaz Métro inc. and Valener) and employees.
SOURCE Gaz Métro
Media : Catherine Houde, Public Affairs, 514-598-3449, www.twitter.com/gazmetro, www.gazmetro.com/pressroom
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