Union Gas to change customer rates July 1, 2015

Rates continue to be lower than 10 years ago

CHATHAM, ON, June 26, 2015 /CNW/ - Union Gas today announced that the Ontario Energy Board has approved a change in the rates its customers will pay for natural gas effective July 1, 2015. Residential customers who buy gas from the utility can expect an average annual change ranging from a $4 decrease for customers in northern and eastern Ontario to a $5 increase for customers in southern Ontario.

These rate changes follow significant rate reductions which went into effect this past April, that amounted to annual savings of $120 to $168 per year for a residential household, depending on location.

"Due to the discovery of plentiful new supplies located in areas close to Ontario, the price our customers pay for natural gas has steadily declined and is lower today than it was 10 years ago," said Steve Baker, president of Union Gas. "Natural gas continues to be the most affordable energy source for space and water heating, costing significantly less than electricity, fuel oil or propane."

The approved rate changes largely reflects a decrease in the market prices Union Gas expects to pay for natural gas supplies for the next year and adjustments to refund the difference between our forecast for natural gas market prices and the actual costs, from prior periods.

In addition to lower natural gas prices, 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.

Some summer energy conservation tips include:

1. Reduce hot water use: A low-flow showerhead can reduce the amount of hot water you use by up to 50 per cent and can save you up to $100 a year in energy and water costs. Union Gas offers customers a free energy-saving kit which includes an energy-efficient showerhead and aerators for your kitchen and bathroom faucets.
2. Install a programmable thermostat: Heating and cooling accounts for 65 per cent of your energy costs. Setting your air conditioning to a higher temperature when you are not home can save you up to $100 a year in energy costs. Union Gas offers customers a $25 rebate coupon on the purchase of a programmable thermostat.
3. Do an energy audit: Evaluating the energy efficiency of your home will help you identify the improvements to your heating, cooling and hot water systems that will give you the most value for your money. A free do-it-yourself Wise Energy Checklist is available on uniongas.com/residential/save-money-energy.
4. Union Gas' Home Reno Rebate offers qualified residential customers in central and southwestern Ontario with up to $2,500 in rebates for energy-efficiency assessments and renovations that can significantly lower their energy costs.

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  for 2015, is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company with assets of $7 billion and approximately 2,200 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]