TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 7, 2013) - As people prepare for a forecasted snow fall expected for parts of Ontario, Enbridge Gas Distribution (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) reminds customers that clearing snow and ice is an important part of winter safety. In addition to scraping car windows and shovelling sidewalks, natural gas meters, pressure regulators and appliance exhaust vents should be kept free of snow and ice to operate safely and efficiently.

"Throughout the winter, and particularly after a storm, it's important to check natural gas meters, pressure regulators and appliance exhaust vents to ensure they are clear of snow and ice," says Glenn Beaumont, Senior Vice President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "Doing so also makes the meter accessible for safety reasons."

Snow or ice build-up could damage a natural gas meter or regulator, interrupt natural gas service or cause an appliance to malfunction, which could create a serious safety hazard.

If a meter, regulator or external vents are covered with snow or ice, remove the snow carefully with either a car brush or broom. Do not use sharp objects or force, such as kicking or hitting, to remove the snow or ice as this may cause damage.

Enbridge Gas Distribution encourages customers to take these additional safety precautions:

• Never pile snow against gas equipment or appliance vents
• Don't let snow or ice block your vents as this could cause dangerous carbon monoxide to build up indoors
• Be careful when using a shovel, plow or snow blower near gas equipment or appliance vents
• Maintain eavestroughs and fix leaky seams in or around downspouts to prevent water from dripping on the meter and appliance vents and freezing
• If you have a seasonal property or are away on vacation make sure that someone is checking your property for you.

If snow or ice build-up on natural gas meters or regulators cannot be gently removed with a broom or car brush, call Enbridge Gas Distribution for assistance at 1-877-ENBRIDGE (362-7434).

If you need assistance to clear a blocked appliance vent, you should contact your heating contractor. If you do not have one, you can find service providers online or in the phone book under 'Heating Contractors' or 'Appliances - Sales & Services.'

For more information on snow and ice safety and to view a video please visit www.enbridgegas.com/safetytips.

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. has a more than 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2012 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to 2 million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com.