NEWS RELEASE

October 7, 2008

UNION GAS LAUNCHES PROGRAM FOR LOCAL FAMILIES IN NEED

Hamilton community agency plays a key role in promoting new conservation program

HAMILTON, ONTARIO – Representatives from Union Gas, Neighbour to Neighbour and the Housing Help Centre gathered today to unveil a new program that provides energy conservation tools for families in financial need.  Offered for the first time in Hamilton, this program helps low-income families cope with the rising cost of living by reducing household energy costs up to $200 a year -- ongoing savings that can be used for other household necessities.

Through the Union Gas Helping Homes Conserve program, qualifying households receive up to two energy-efficient massage showerheads, foam pipe insulation, a programmable thermostat and a water-saving bathroom and kitchen aerator.  All products, with the exception of the aerators, are installed free-of-charge by a professional technician.  Participating community agencies play a key role in raising awareness of the program amongst their clients.

"Coping with rising prices on everything from food to transportation is a challenge, particularly for low-income families, " said Kathy Webster, Manager Distribution Systems Development, Union Gas.  "We are grateful to Neighbour to Neighbour for its role in raising awareness of this conservation program that can help families in the greatest need save money year after year."

For its assistance in promoting the program to its clients, Union Gas donated $10,000 to the Neighbour to Neighbour Center to continue its work serving the community.

Union Gas also held a free Home Energy Conservation workshop for the agency’s clients. Participants were provided information on low-cost and no-cost solutions to save energy around the home. The afternoon was topped off with a barbecue lunch.

"This event provides our clients, who are struggling financially, energy saving tips and tools for the home," said Denise Arkell, Executive Director, Neighbour to Neighbour. “And the money they save in energy costs when they participate in Helping Homes Conserve can be spent on other household needs."

About Union Gas
Union Gas is an integrated natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company serving about 1.3 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities in northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario.  The company also provides storage and transportation services to other utilities and energy market participants in Ontario, Quebec and the United States. Union Gas is a Spectra Energy company. Visit www.uniongas.com for more information.

CONTACT: Andrea Stass
Phone: (519) 436-5490