$10,000 grant awarded to sustainability institute as part of centennial celebration

WATERLOO, ON - A University of Waterloo research project looking to expand the concept of a "smart grid" beyond electricity is getting a boost from Union Gas, through a $10,000 grant awarded today as part of the company's year-long centennial celebration.
The research project, led by the University's Waterloo Institute for Sustainable Energy (WISE), focuses on the idea of using advanced information technology to create a fully integrated "smart energy network", one that includes natural gas, renewables and, in the future, would be able to incorporate new fuels such as hydrogen.

The project is building on work already underway in Ontario to develop a smart grid for the province's electricity system, using digital two-way communication to allow utilities to respond instantly to changes in demand and automatically fix power outages, as well as giving consumers more control over how and when they use power.

"At Union Gas, we are determined to be leaders in sustainability," said Union Gas president Julie Dill, who today presented Jatin Nathwani, executive director of WISE, with one of ten $10,000 signature grants being awarded across Ontario as the company marks its centennial anniversary. "That's why we are proud to support this leading-edge research, which will further the discussion we are having as a sector about the long-term sustainability of Ontario's entire energy system. We all have a part to play in building a stronger, more environmentally-friendly system for future generations."

"In the electricity sector, the smart grid has emerged as one way to address consumption trends, climate change, global energy security challenges, and economic growth," said Nathwani. "This grant will help WISE bring those core smart grid concepts - integration, interoperability and responsiveness - to the entire energy system."

About Union Gas
Union Gas, a Spectra Energy Company, was founded in 1911 through the amalgamation of three southern Ontario local gas distribution companies. Today, Union Gas, named one of Canada's Top 100 employers in 2011, is the second largest natural gas utility in Canada, serving 1.3 million customers across Ontario.
Union Gas works in over 400 Ontario communities, including many in the Waterloo region. The company is committed to contributing to the communities where its employees live and work by supporting direct and indirect employment, offering energy efficiency programs, and helping local organizations through sponsorships, charitable giving and hundreds of volunteer hours. For example, in the Waterloo region, Union Gas supports organizations such as the Waterloo Region Children's Safety Village, the United Way of Kitchener-Waterloo, Out of the Cold and the Children's Wish Foundation.
Leading up to the company's 100th anniversary on Dec. 19, a year-long centennial celebration is rolling out across the province, bringing together employees, retirees and community residents. Visit uniongas.com/centennial for more information.
About Union Gas

Union Gas Limited, a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company, is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with assets of over $5.6 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

Download the Union Gas Centennial Grant Announcement.