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October 28, 2005
Natural gas rebates kick in for November
Average household will save $72 next month, Klein says
Edmonton... Alberta's one-of-a-kind natural gas rebate program will continue to shield Albertans from high home heating costs through the month of November.
"The rebate program is one of the ways Albertans share in the benefits of resource ownership," said Premier Ralph Klein. "All Canadians - indeed, all North Americans - are shouldering the burden of high natural gas prices this fall. But only Albertans receive an automatic rebate that will save the average household about $72 next month."
The natural gas rebate program is triggered automatically when two of the three major gas companies charge regulated rates over $5.50 per gigajoule. In November, all three of the major companies will charge over $12 per gigajoule, triggering a rebate of at least $3.25 per gigajoule.
Energy Minister Greg Melchin predicted natural gas rebates will continue throughout the winter. "This year, government began providing rebates in October - a month earlier than rebates are normally available - because of sharply rising natural gas prices. If the forecasts are correct and high prices continue throughout the winter, then Alberta's rebate program will stay in effect while the cold weather lasts."
Melchin also noted that because of their proximity to the resource, Albertans pay less than other Canadians for natural gas, even before the rebate program kicks in. "Albertans paid fourteen per cent less than other Canadians for natural gas last year. So far this year, Albertans have paid twelve per cent less for the natural gas than other Canadians."
All eligible consumers, regardless of whether they pay the regulated rate or are part of a competitive contract, receive rebates under the Natural Gas Rebate Program. Most consumers will see the November rebate as a credit on their December bill.
More information on the Alberta government's Natural Gas Rebate Program can be found on the Alberta government's web site at:
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Media enquiries may be directed to:
Cathy Housdorff
Director of Communications
Alberta Energy
Tel: (780) 422-3667
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
October 28, 2005
Natural gas prices - November 2005
The following natural gas prices from the three regulated service providers in Alberta have been verified by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board for November 2005.
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Regulated Gas Rates |
November gas costs on consumers' bills ($/GJ) |
Direct Energy Regulated Services North |
$12.74 |
Direct Energy Regulated Services South |
$12.18 |
AltaGas Utilities |
$13.18 |
For detailed information on the Alberta Natural Gas Rebate Program, go to
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Media enquiries may be directed to:
Cathy Housdorff
Director
Communications
Alberta Energy
Tel: (780) 422-3667
To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Copyright(c); 2005 Government of Alberta