Gaz Métro obtains the renewal of its exclusive right to distribute natural gas in Québec

MONTREAL, Sept. 13 /CNW Telbec/ - Gaz Métro is proud of having obtainedconfirmation of the renewal of its exclusive right to distribute naturalgas on its territory from the Québec government. This renewalstrengthens the role of the gas utility for the next 30 years, much tothe advantage of its thousands of customers and, more generally, to thatof Québec society as a whole.

"For more than 50 years, Gaz Métro has constantly worked on developingits natural gas network in order to improve accessibility and offer aneconomic, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy source to agrowing number of Quebecers. Today, we are proud of having obtained thisrenewal, which will enable us to continue our efforts to reach ourobjective of offering a high-quality energy service at the leastpossible cost for all sectors of the Québec economy - residential,commercial and industrial" said Sophie Brochu, President and ChiefExecutive Officer of Gaz Métro.

In Québec, natural gas helps meet fundamental needs for heating air andwater and is essential to the processes of many large successful Québecindustries, of which we are so proud. Today, the utility is the energysupplier of choice for some 180,000 customers, including 127,000 homes,almost 50,000 commercial and institutional customers, including schoolsand hospitals, as well as about 2,500 major industries.

As the exclusive gas distributor in Québec (except for the Outaouaisregion), Gaz Métro has developed expertise and know-how in theconstruction and operation of a reliable and safe gas network, a networkthat includes more than 10,000 km of pipelines in a dozen administrativeregions. Gaz Métro invests more than $100 million each year in order todevelop its network, maintain its reliability and ensure itssustainability.

Natural gas is a superior energy choice from both an environmental andeconomic point of view. Compared with fuel oil, it reduces greenhousegas emissions by 3l%. Currently, it is competitive on all markets, andwhen compared with all forms of energy. On the business market, naturalgas has been the least expensive energy for 11 years, thus contributingto improving the competitiveness of Québec companies. Moreover, aproposed average reduction of 4.7% on the distribution portion of ratesis currently being considered by the Régie de l'énergie -which is even better news for customers.

Gaz Métro Overview

With over $3.6 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is Québec's leading naturalgas distributor. Operating in this regulated industry for over 50 years,Gaz Métro has become the trusted energy provider to some 180,000customers in Québec and 136,000 customers in Vermont while developingthe skills and expertise needed to diversify beyond natural gas.Gaz Métro's prudent growth strategy has been marked by the successfulentry into electricity distribution in Vermont and development of windpower projects in Québec. www.gazmetro.com