OEB approves rate changes for Union Gas Limited

TORONTO, June 18 /CNW/ - Today the Ontario Energy Board approved changes to the natural gas commodity price Union Gas Limited (Union) will charge its customers effective July 1, 2010.

Residential consumers who purchase natural gas directly from Union and use 2,600 cubic meters (m(3)) a year will pay approximately $21 to $32 less per year depending on which of Union's five rate zones they live in. The change reflects a decrease in what Union forecasts it will have to pay for the natural gas it supplies its customers over the next twelve months, and a reduced gas price adjustment for the period of July 1st to September 30th, 2010.

Changes also reflect adjustments to transportation, delivery and other associated charges.

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

    
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    Rate Zone         Natural Gas       Gas Price          Effective Price
                      Price             Adjustment         cents/m(3)
                      cents/m(3)        cents/m(3)
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    Eastern                17.2288           -5.1586            12.0702
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Northwestern           17.0042           -5.1586            11.8456
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    Northern               17.1244           -5.1586            11.9658
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Fort Frances           16.9153           -5.1586            11.7567
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Southern               17.2288           -4.1373            13.0915
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------
    

Starting July 1, the new Harmonized Sales Tax will replace the Goods and Services Tax on energy bills as well. For more information go to www.ontario.ca/taxchange.

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.

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For further information: Media Inquiries: Vanda Wall, Ontario Energy Board, 416-544-5171; Public Inquiries: 416-314-2455, Or 1-877-632-2727