Extension of the Gaz Métro network to Thetford Mines approved by Régie de l’énergie

Montreal, September 26, 2011 - Gaz Métro president and CEO Sophie Brochu is delighted with the decision reached Friday by Régie de l’énergie du Québec, approving Gaz Métro’s request for an extension of the natural gas network over some 80 km to Thetford Mines. This investment totaling over $25 million will greatly enhance the competitiveness of regional businesses, organizations and institutions. The network extension has been made possible thanks to a $18.1 contribution from the federal government and a $7.2 investment from Gaz Métro.

 “The community along with partners have been working for 15 years to secure a natural gas supply in the Thetford Mines region in order to grow their industrial potential. We are thrilled that all the hard work has paid off,” enthused Ms. Brochu.

This decision by Régie de l’énergie is part of a rigorous process aimed at finalizing the project for the start of construction in spring 2012. Until then, Gaz Métro will continue to work to obtain all of the authorizations and permits necessary to comply with environmental and legal requirements. The route chosen will follow Route 112 from Vallée-Jonction to Black Lake (Thetford Mines). This extension of the natural gas network will serve both municipalities, as well as Saint-Frédéric, Tring-Jonction, Sacré-Cœur-de Jésus, East Broughton, Saint-Pierre-de-Broughton and Thetford-Mines.

The project’s economic benefits are considerable as the network will provide access to a more competitive source of energy. The environmental benefits are also impressive as many commercial and industrial customers will be able to convert from fuel oil to natural gas and thus reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 31%. Agreements have already been signed with 21 customers, primarily from the industrial (metallurgy and materials), institutional and restaurant sectors. When natural gas arrives in the region in late 2012, Gaz Métro evaluates that an additional 60-odd customers located near the network could be connected. The company estimates that the resulting GHG savings will total more than 6,000 equivalent tons of greenhouse gases.

 
Information meetings
To provide a maximum of information to the population and businesses located along the route chosen from Vallée-Jonction to Black Lake (Thetford Mines), Gaz Métro will hold a series of information sessions in late 2011 to present the project. Details on these meetings will be communicated to the communities concerned through the local media as the project progresses.

Overview of Gaz Métro
With over $3.6 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is Quebec’s leading natural gas distributor. Its 10,000-kilometer network serves 300 municipalities. Active in this regulated industry since 1957, Gaz Métro is the trusted energy provider of customers in Quebec and Vermont who choose natural gas for its competitive price, efficiency, comfort and environmental benefits. Gaz Métro is also active in the electricity distribution market and is involved in natural gas transportation and storage, as well as the development of projects in areas such as wind power generation, natural gas fuel for the transportation industry, and biomethanation. Gaz Métro is committed to the satisfaction of its customers, partners (Gaz Métro Inc. and Valener Inc.), employees and the communities in which it operates. www.gazmetro.com 

For more information:
Audrey Giguère
Media and Public Relations
514-598-3449
http://www.gazmetro.com/pressroom