Gaz Métro is satisfied with the first day of consultations on energy efficiency and innovation

MONTRÉAL, Feb. 17, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Gaz Métro is delighted with phase one of the consultation process on energy efficiency and innovation, aimed at developing Québec's new energy policy. Several experts from here and elsewhere shared their findings and visions, and key players including Gaz Métro had the opportunity to provide comments on the presentations and to question stakeholders.

 "After day one of the consultations, we are pleased to see several of our energy efficiency recommendations being echoed, and we hope they are considered in defining the next energy policy," said Stéphanie Trudeau, Vice President, Strategy, Communication and Sustainability. "Gaz Métro is particularly proud that natural gas is the first and only industry to have met the energy efficiency target of the Québec Energy Strategy 2006–2015. These results tangibly show the company's commitment to supporting the sustainable development of Québec's economy and the fight against climate change."

With the bold target of reducing GHG emissions in Québec by 20% by 2020 compared with 1990s levels, Québec needs to leverage solid, efficient tools to achieve its goal. Gaz Métro is well placed to help achieve this objective by working with other market players as well as the Québec government.

Gaz Métro recommendations

1. Give energy distributors access to Green Fund resources, to increase returns on connection projects that would otherwise not be profitable and that would help distributors reduce GHG emissions.
2. Capitalize on energy distributors' privileged access to the market and its agents to identify potential projects and maximize energy efficiency and GHG-reduction measures, with a view to ensuring sustainable development.
3. Set clear objectives and specific targets for each form of energy and area of activity, for both energy efficiency and GHG reduction.
4. Define tools to measure results every year and make any necessary corrections.
5. Implement a program evaluation process allowing for continuous improvement through the implementation of recommendations made by external experts.
6. Implement an annual and public accountability process making it possible to follow the progress of results.
7. Launch public campaigns promoting energy efficiency and the fight against climate change.
8. Implement an energy information service for the public, companies and institutions to provide answers to questions and direct users to appropriate resources in the market.
9. Aim for program complementarity and optimized financial assistance, to make the most of every available dollar.
10. Aim for greater harmonization of actions, to break down barriers and foster better consistency in government initiatives.

The government's initiative comprises five thematic areas of consideration allowing for in-depth analysis by way of round tables made up of Québec, Canadian and international experts. Gaz Métro intends to participate actively in the consultations on renewable energy and hydrocarbons.

Overview of 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 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 such as the production of wind power, the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel 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. www.gazmetro.com

SOURCE Gaz Métro

Media: Catherine Houde, Public Affairs, 514-598-3449, www.twitter.com/gazmetro, www.gazmetro.com/pressroom, Photos, videos (b-roll) and logos are available in Gaz Métro's Multimedia Library.