Ontario Government Opens Door to Enbridge Gas Distribution's Investment in Clean Energy Future
TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Sept. 23, 2009) - Enbridge Gas Distribution (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) congratulates Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty and the Honourable George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, on the government's leadership in issuing a Minister's Directive that will open opportunities for Enbridge Gas Distribution to support the Green Energy and Economy Act and the government's efforts to make a clean energy future a reality.
"Ontario is leading an energy renaissance," said Smitherman. "To cement our role as a leading jurisdiction in renewable energy and conservation, we are taking steps to attract investment that will help support a vibrant, clean energy future for Ontario."
"Natural gas is and will continue to be a vital part of Ontario's clean energy mix. However, in today's environment, we need to look at the complete energy needs of our customers," said Janet Holder, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "This decision opens the door for Enbridge Gas Distribution to look at and invest in additional environmentally-preferred energy solutions that will help our customers and Ontario move towards a clean energy future."
The Minister's Directive lifts restrictions that previously limited Enbridge Gas Distribution, a regulated utility, to business activities related only to the distribution, transmission and storage of natural gas.
As a result of the Minister's Directive, Enbridge Gas Distribution will be permitted to own and operate renewable energy projects including stationary fuel cells, wind, water, biomass, biogas, solar and geothermal energy generation facilities up to 10 megawatts in capacity.
Enbridge Gas Distribution will also be permitted to own and operate district and distributed energy systems, including facilities that produce power and thermal energy from a single source, that assist the Government of Ontario in achieving its energy conservation goals.
Enbridge Gas Distribution has a 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. Enbridge Gas Distribution is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to about 1.9 million customers in Ontario, New York State, New Brunswick and southwestern Quebec.
Debbie Boukydis
Media Contact
(416) 495-5682
debbie.boukydis@enbridge.com
www.enbridgegas.com
"Ontario is leading an energy renaissance," said Smitherman. "To cement our role as a leading jurisdiction in renewable energy and conservation, we are taking steps to attract investment that will help support a vibrant, clean energy future for Ontario."
"Natural gas is and will continue to be a vital part of Ontario's clean energy mix. However, in today's environment, we need to look at the complete energy needs of our customers," said Janet Holder, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "This decision opens the door for Enbridge Gas Distribution to look at and invest in additional environmentally-preferred energy solutions that will help our customers and Ontario move towards a clean energy future."
The Minister's Directive lifts restrictions that previously limited Enbridge Gas Distribution, a regulated utility, to business activities related only to the distribution, transmission and storage of natural gas.
As a result of the Minister's Directive, Enbridge Gas Distribution will be permitted to own and operate renewable energy projects including stationary fuel cells, wind, water, biomass, biogas, solar and geothermal energy generation facilities up to 10 megawatts in capacity.
Enbridge Gas Distribution will also be permitted to own and operate district and distributed energy systems, including facilities that produce power and thermal energy from a single source, that assist the Government of Ontario in achieving its energy conservation goals.
Enbridge Gas Distribution has a 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. Enbridge Gas Distribution is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to about 1.9 million customers in Ontario, New York State, New Brunswick and southwestern Quebec.
For more information please contact:
Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.Debbie Boukydis
Media Contact
(416) 495-5682
debbie.boukydis@enbridge.com
www.enbridgegas.com
