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February 27, 2006
Natural gas rebates kick in for March
Average Alberta household will save about $24 next month
Edmonton... The average Alberta household will save $24 on their March heating bill, thanks to the provincial natural gas rebate. This winter's unseasonably warm weather has lessened demand across North America and helped moderate natural gas prices over the past two months.
For March, the average Alberta residential consumer will receive a rebate of $1.50 per gigajoule as a credit on their gas bill. This is the sixth consecutive month that Albertans will receive a rebate, which is triggered automatically when two of the three major gas companies charge regulated rates above $5.50 per gigajoule.
"Last year, the rebate program resulted in Albertans paying twenty per cent less than the national average for natural gas," said Greg Melchin, Minister of Energy. "This unique program not only provides cost savings, it is a guaranteed price protection for well over one million Alberta homes and businesses. Once again this month, the rebate program is providing assistance when Albertans need it most."
In January, the Government of Alberta announced the extension of the Natural Gas Rebate Program for another three years with October continuing as a rebate month under the program. Most Albertans receive the rebate directly on their natural gas bill. In addition to natural gas, rebates will be provided for heating with propane, kerosene, heating oil and in certain special circumstances, electricity. Users of these other fuels can apply for rebates.
Rebate amounts increase as the price of gas rises, with the maximum cost of natural gas to most Alberta consumers capped at $8.75/GJ. All eligible homes and businesses, regardless of whether they pay the regulated rate or are part of a competitive contract, receive rebates under the program.
More information on Alberta's Natural Gas Rebate Program can be found on the Alberta government's web site at:
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Media enquiries may be directed to:
Donna McColl
Assistant Director
Communications
Alberta Energy
Tel: (780) 422-0068
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
February 27, 2006
Natural gas rates - March 2006
The following natural gas rates for the three regulated service providers in Alberta have been verified by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board for March 2006.
|
Regulated Gas Rates |
March 2006 natural gas costs on consumers' bills ($/GJ) |
Direct Energy Regulated Services North |
$6.203 |
Direct Energy Regulated Services South |
$5.098 |
AltaGas Utilities |
$6.197 |
For detailed information on the Alberta Natural Gas Rebate Program, go to
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Media enquiries may be directed to:
Donna McColl
Assistant Director
Communications
Alberta Energy
Tel: (780) 422-0068
To call toll-free within Alberta dial 310-0000.
Copyright(c); 2006 Government of Alberta