Innovative integrated energy solutions validated by Parliamentary Committee

June 23, 2009

SURREY, B.C. – Terasen is pleased that a recent report from the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Natural Resources confirms the work the company is carrying out to plan, build, own and operate integrated community energy projects in B.C.

“Terasen is a leader in integrated energy solutions that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and establish more sustainable communities,” said Doug Stout, Vice President, Marketing and Business Development, Terasen Gas, who was one of the presenters at the Committee hearings in Ottawa this past March. “The Committee report confirms what Terasen and the energy community have been advocating in recent years; that decisions on efficient energy management must be applied during the planning process at the community level.”

The report, Combining our Energies: Integrated Energy Systems for Canadian Communities examined the contribution of integrated approaches for providing energy services in Canada. It points out that 50 per cent of Canada’s energy use and greenhouse gas emissions come from communities using conventional energy systems. New energy sources, such as geothermal, biogas and district energy systems offer innovative opportunities that, when coupled with the existing energy grids, can reduce traditional energy demand, establish more sustainable communities and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Terasen currently works with several leading edge communities and developers in B.C. on projects that demonstrate how community planning and innovative ideas can meet the energy challenges of tomorrow and the goals set out in the B.C. Energy Plan:

Terasen will own and operate a $25 million district energy system at The Village at Fraser Mills development in Coquitlam, displacing 8,200 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year and delivering a safe and comfortable living environment for residents.
Terasen is working with the Delta School District to develop and implement alternative energy solutions to reduce the use of low efficiency heating sources, cutting the District’s carbon footprint and saving more than $100,000 in energy costs over three years.
Terasen jointly owns a community energy system at Dockside Green, an award-winning Victoria harbourfront development that will be North America’s first greenhouse gas neutral community.

“Integrated energy systems will help form the foundation on which sustainable energy solutions can be built over the long term,” said Stout. “As communities demand more non-conventional, low emission energy sources, Terasen will continue to work with communities to plan, build, own and operate reliable systems that meet these future energy needs and improve quality of life for British Columbians.”

Terasen Gas is mainly composed of the operations of Terasen Gas Inc. and Terasen Gas (Vancouver Island) Inc., both indirect wholly owned subsidiaries of Fortis Inc. Fortis Inc., the largest investor-owned distribution utility in Canada, serves more than two million gas and electric customers and has total assets approaching $12 billion. Its regulated holdings include Terasen Gas and electric utilities in five Canadian provinces and three Caribbean countries. Fortis Inc. owns non-regulated hydroelectric generation assets across Canada and in Belize and upper New York State. It also owns hotels and commercial real estate in Canada. Fortis Inc. shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol FTS. Additional information can be accessed at www.fortisinc.com or www.sedar.com

Media contact:
Michael Chisholm
Corporate Communications Manager
Phone: (604) 592-7801
E-mail: michael.chisholm@terasengas.com

Innovative integrated energy solutions validated by Parliamentary Committee

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