OEB approves rate changes for Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.

TORONTO, March 23 /CNW/ - Today the Ontario Energy Board approved changes to the natural gas commodity prices Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (Enbridge) charges its customers effective April 1, 2010.

Residential consumers who purchase natural gas directly from Enbridge and use 3,064 cubic meters (m(3)) a year will pay approximately $36 more per year. The change reflects an increase in what Enbridge forecasts it will have to pay for the natural gas it supplies its customers over the next twelve months and an increase to the gas cost adjustment for the period of April 1 to June 30, 2010.

    
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    Rate Zone   Natural Gas Price    Gas Cost Adjustment    Effective Price
                cents/m(3)           cents/m(3)             cents/m(3)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Eastern         21.1631              -0.0460                21.1171
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

Consumers will pay 21.1631 cents/m(3) for the natural gas they use between April 1st and June 30th. When combined with the gas cost adjustment, consumers will pay an effective rate of 21.1171 cents/m(3).

Other changes will impact customers who purchase gas from Enbridge and those that have a contract with a natural gas marketer. These changes reflect a previous Board decision approving rates and other charges to sell, distribute, transmit and store natural gas. Consumers will also see a one-time credit of about $6 in the month of April to reflect changes to customer and delivery charges for the period January 1 to March 31, 2010, and a charge of about $4 in April and May to clear deferral accounts. These changes apply to customers who purchase their natural gas directly from Enbridge. Customers who have a contract with a natural gas marketer will also see these changes, however the amounts will differ.

Every three months, the Board reviews the natural gas commodity prices Enbridge charges its customers and adjusts them if necessary.

For more detailed information about this announcement visit our web site at http://www.oeb.gov.on.ca/OEB/Consumers/Natural+Gas/Natural+Gas+Rates.

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: Vanda Wall, Ontario Energy Board, [phone]; Public Inquiries: [phone], Or 1-877-632-2727