OEB approves rate changes for Union Gas Limited

TORONTO, March 17 /CNW/ - Today the Ontario Energy Board approved changes to the natural gas commodity price Union Gas Limited (Union) will charge its customers effective April 1, 2010.

Residential consumers who purchase natural gas directly from Union and use 2,600 cubic meters (m(3)) a year will pay approximately $93 to $134 more per year depending on which of Union's five rate zones they live in. The change reflects an increase in what Union 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 price adjustment for the period of April 1st to June 30th, 2010.

The natural gas commodity price consumers will pay for the period of April 1st to June 30th, 2010 are as follows:

    
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     Natural Gas        Gas Price              Effective
    Rate Zone       Price cents/m3  Adjustment cents/m(3)   Price cents/m(3)
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Eastern             20.8999           -8.0565               12.8434
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Northwestern        20.6211           -8.0565               12.5646
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Northern            20.7699           -8.0565               12.7134
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fort Frances        20.5121           -8.0565               12.4556
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Southern            20.8999           -6.2222               14.6777
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

In the Fort Frances, Eastern, Northern and North western rate zones, there is also a change to the transportation price adjustment which affects both consumers who purchase natural gas directly from Union and consumers who have a contract with a natural gas marketer.

Every three months, the Board reviews the natural gas commodity prices Union charges their 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.

Ce document est aussi disponible en français

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