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October 4, 2005
RevisedAlbertans receiving natural gas rebates for October
Province extends rebate program to assist Albertans with high natural gas prices
Edmonton...The dramatic increase in the price of natural gas over the past few weeks has prompted the Government of Alberta to include October in the Natural Gas Rebate Program for 2005-06. Originally the rebate program was to run November through March.
The rebate for gas consumed in October will be $3.51 per gigajoule (GJ). The average residential natural gas consumption in October is 9 GJs, resulting in a bill total of about $158 and an average rebate of $31.58.
"Our unique and responsive rebate program is an example of how Albertans benefit from resource ownership - it ensures they will pay no more than about $8.75/GJ during the winter even if the market price soars," said Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, Shirley McClellan. "Although recent media reports suggest Alberta prices are higher than other provinces, on an annual basis Albertans pay well below the national average for natural gas, even before the rebate program is factored in."
In 2004, Alberta's annual natural gas price was 14 per cent below the rest of Canada. To date, in the first nine months of 2005, Albertans have paid 12 per cent below the national average. Alberta's monthly natural gas rates may rise above other areas in response to market prices, however they also respond to falling prices faster.
Most consumers will see the October consumption rebate as a credit on their November utility bill. The Alberta government is working to determine the most effective ways to include a sixth rebate month in the program as it applies to agricultural consumers and those heating with alternate fuels. Details of how agricultural consumers will receive an additional rebate month this year will be released soon.
Adjusting gas rates monthly enables the Government of Alberta to be more responsive when changes occur to market prices. Should monthly market prices continue to exceed the $5.50/GJ trigger price, the rebate will continue to help Albertans with their natural gas costs each month through to March 2006.
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Revised: This news release was amended on October 4, 2005.Media enquiries may be directed to: For program details contact:
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Tracy Balash |
Donna McColl |
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Copyright(c); 2005 Government of Alberta