OEB Approves rate changes for Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.

TORONTO , Dec. 21 /CNW/ - Today the Ontario Energy Board approved changes to natural gas commodity and delivery rates Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (Enbridge) charges its customers effective January 1, 2010 .

The adjustment reflects an increase in Enbridge's forecast average price of natural gas over the next 12 months. Natural gas utilities forecast the price of natural gas quarterly to determine what they expect to pay for the natural gas they supply to their customers over a 12-month period.

Consumers' bills will change depending on the amount of natural gas used, and type of consumer. The changes will result in an approximate annual increase of $23 for residential consumers using 3,064 cubic meters (m(3)) a year who purchase their natural gas directly from Enbridge (system gas customers). This does not include the gas cost adjustment which will result in an approximate decrease of $101 for the period of January 1 to March 31, 2010 .

The natural gas commodity price consumers will pay for the period January 1st to March 31st is 19.9690 cents/m(3). When combined with the gas cost adjustment, consumers will pay an effective rate of 12.9141 cents/m(3) between January 1st and March 31st .

The Board will continue to review the natural gas commodity rates every 3 months and adjust rates if necessary.

Consumers who have a contract with a natural gas marketer will see no change.

The Ontario Energy Board regulates the province's electricity and natural gas sectors in the public interest. It envisions a viable and efficient energy sector with informed consumers and works toward this vision through regulation that is effective, fair and transparent. For more information on the Board, please visit our web site at www.oeb.gov.on.ca or contact the Consumer Relations Centre at 416-314-2455 or toll-free at 1-877-632-2727.

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For further information: Media Inquiries: Paul Crawford, Ontario Energy Board, [phone]; Public Inquiries, [phone], Or 1-877-632-2727