Union Gas to Change Customer Rates April 1, 2016

CHATHAM, ON, March 24, 2016 /CNW/ - Union Gas announced today that the Ontario Energy Board has approved a change in the rates its customers will pay for natural gas effective April 1, 2016.

Residential customers in northern and eastern Ontario who buy gas from Union Gas will see a decrease of about $37 per year which represents a decrease of about 4 percent to 4.5 per cent of their natural gas bill. Residential customers in southern Ontario who buy gas from Union Gas will see an increase of about $16 per year, which represents an increase of 2.6 per cent of their natural gas bill.  These changes follow an approximate $50 annual decrease implemented in January, 2016.

"Natural gas is affordable, energy efficient and plentiful." said Steve Baker, president of Union Gas. "Our customers have lower natural gas rates today than they did 10 years ago."

Natural gas supplies are abundant and as a result the price has steadily declined over time.  While there are seasonal market fluctuations, the average natural gas bill for a residential Union Gas customer is about $210 less today than five years ago.

The approved rate changes largely reflect a reduction in the market prices Union Gas expects to pay for natural gas supplies for the next year combined with adjustments to recover or refund the difference between the forecast for natural gas market prices and transportation services and the actual costs from prior periods, which varies by location.

Union Gas can help customers realize even greater savings by improving the energy efficiency of their homes. For energy-saving advice, rebates and promotions visit uniongas.com/residential/save-money-energy.

5 Easy Tips to Save Money and Energy:

1. Reduce hot water use: A low-flow showerhead can reduce the amount of hot water used by up to 50 per cent and can save homeowners up to $100 a year in energy and water costs.
   
   
2. Install a programmable thermostat: Heating and cooling accounts for 65 per cent of energy costs. By installing a programmable thermostat households can save up to $100 a year in energy costs. In winter, lower temperature by just 1°C over a seven-hour period to save about 1 per cent on heating bills. In summer, raise the thermostat while out and program cooling to start just before returning home.
   
   
3. Furnace maintenance: Combine an annual inspection with simple do-it-yourself tasks to keep heating systems working reliably and safely.  Change furnace filters every one to two months. A dirty air filter reduces airflow and makes furnaces run longer.
   
   
4. Do an energy audit: Evaluating energy efficiency of homes will help identify improvements needed for heating, cooling and hot water systems that will give the most value for money. A free do-it-yourself Wise Energy Checklist is available on uniongas.com/residential/save-money-energy.
   
   
5. Prevent air leakage:  Caulking and weather stripping keeps homes comfortable and energy bills under control. Inspect windows and doors for gaps that let cold air in and let heated air escape. 

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. Union Gas, named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers from 2011- 2016, is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company with assets of $7 billion and approximately 2,300 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com or find us on Twitter: twitter.com/uniongas, Facebook: facebook.com/uniongas and YouTube: youtube.com/user/uniongas.

SOURCE Union Gas Limited

Union Gas Limited: Andrea Stass, Manager, External Communications and Media Relations, Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5005490, Cell: 519 365-1010, [email protected]