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:
- 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.
- Install a programmable thermostat: Save up to $100/year on gas bills. For a $25 rebate coupon, go to
uniongas.com/managemybill.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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