TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Sept. 12, 2014) - Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (Enbridge), a regulated natural gas distribution utility, has applied to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to decrease its rates effective October 1, 2014. Enbridge is sharing this information at the time of its application to the OEB as part of its ongoing commitment to update customers.
If approved, typical residential customers* who buy their gas supply and transportation from Enbridge will see their total annual bill decrease from about $1,238 to $1,173, a savings of $65 a year. The total effect on a customer's bill depends on how much gas a customer uses. There are two different components to this decrease - $18 a year reflects lower natural gas prices in North America and changes to Enbridge's 2014 rates which were approved by the OEB in July while $47 a year is a refund approved in the OEB's 2014 rate decision.
"Our customers are benefitting from the fact that the price of natural gas is cheaper today than it was 10 years ago," says Jamie LeBlanc, Director, Enbridge Gas Distribution. Natural gas remains less than half the cost of electricity and oil for home and water heating.**
As the colder weather approaches, Enbridge reminds customers there are a number of options to help manage bills:
- Implement low- or no-cost energy efficiency tips, for more information go to www.enbridgegas.com/energyefficiency .
- Join the Budget Billing Plan to spread annual natural gas costs over 11 months. Register at www.enbridgegas.com/bbp or call 1-877-362-7434.
- Enbridge's Home Winterproofing Program for qualifying low-income customers offers free energy efficiency measures, such as insulation to help lower future energy bills.
About Enbridge Gas Distribution
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 2013 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2013 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to two million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com or follow us on Twitter @EnbridgeGasNews.
* Calculations are based on the assumption that a typical residential customer uses about 3,064 cubic metres of natural gas a year for home and water heating.
** Natural gas rates are based on Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.'s approved residential rates effective July 1, 2014. Electricity rates are based on Toronto Hydro's Ontario Energy Board approved rates effective May 2014 and do not include the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit. Oil prices are based on publicly posted Statistics Canada historical rates up to and including rates available as of May 2014. Costs have been calculated for the equivalent energy consumed by a typical residential customer and include all service, delivery and energy charges. HST is not included.
