Union Gas to change rates customers pay for natural gas

 Long-term forecasts say natural gas will continue to be best choice for consumers

CHATHAM, ON, Dec. 22, 2014 /CNW/ - The Ontario Energy Board has approved changes in the rates Union Gas customers pay as part of the company's quarterly rate adjustment to reflect changes in the market prices for natural gas and natural gas transportation services. 

Residential customers in southwestern Ontario who buy gas from the utility can expect a $3 average annual increase in their natural gas bill. The rate change, which will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2015, follows a decrease of about $80 per year in Oct., 2014.

The rate changes largely reflect an increase in what the company expects to pay to TransCanada to transport natural gas along their pipeline system from Alberta into Ontario. Union Gas purchases natural gas transportation services from other pipeline companies and passes these costs through to our customers without mark-up.

"Due to plentiful new supplies, 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.  "Union Gas customers have saved over $800 in the past five years alone; and heating your home and water with gas saves you between $1,600 and $2,000 every year compared to using electricity, oil or propane."

As winter approaches, Union Gas reminds customers that energy conservation is one of the best long-term ways to reduce energy costs in the home.  Our energy saving tips, rebates and promotions can help including up to $2,500 cash back for eligible energy saving upgrades, free energy savings kits and a $25 rebate on a programmable thermostat.  For more information visit uniongas.com/residential/save-money-energy.

Some conservation steps customers can take to save money and energy include:

1. Get your furnace serviced: A furnace operating at peak efficiency uses less energy and costs less to operate. Change filters at least every two months.
2. Install a programmable thermostat: Save up to $100/year on gas bills. For a $25 rebate coupon, go to uniongas.com/managemybill.
3. Reduce hot water use: A low-flow showerhead can reduce the amount of hot water you use by up to 50 per cent. Your hot water heater is the second largest energy-gobbler in your home.
4. Seal tiny holes and cracks: Up to 40 per cent of your energy dollar is wasted heating air that leaks into and out of your home.
5. Do an energy audit: Evaluating the energy efficiency of your home will help you identify the improvements that will give you the most value for your money.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with more than 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 2014, is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company with assets of $6.7 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com

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]