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News Release January 13, 2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EUB RECEIVES EVALUATION REPORT FROM THE PROVINCIAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC SAFETY AND SOUR GAS

Calgary, Alberta (January 13, 2004) The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) has received a report from the Provincial Advisory Committee on Public Safety and Sour Gas which reviews and comments on the EUBs progress over the past year to address 87 recommendations made to the EUB by the Committee. These recommendations were designed to improve the regulatory system for sour gas as it relates to public health and safety in Alberta, and were presented to the EUB in December 2000.

Entitled Evaluation of EUBs Implementation Progress to October 2003, the report notes that implementation work undertaken is showing positive results on many fronts, and that the spirit of true public consultation is demonstrated by the EUBs commitment to implementing the PSSG recommendation package.

In commenting on its overall evaluation of the Public Safety and Sour Gas initiative, the Advisory Committee says: The qualities of respect and improved trust were also highlighted in Advisory Committee discussion of perceived public opinion regarding the EUBs consultation and communication activities.

EUB Chairman Neil McCrank said: On behalf of the EUB, I am very pleased that the Committee has once again provided us with such a positive and comprehensive assessment. Addressing all 87 recommendations remains a top priority and the EUB appreciates the continued involvement and scrutiny of the Committee.

The EUB has an extensive implementation process in place, and reports on its progress to the Committee and to the public on a regular basis. In consultation with affected stakeholders, the EUB has completed work on 26 recommendations and is continuing work on 58 more that were previously started. Work will begin before April 2004 to address the three remaining recommendations.

Sour gas is natural gas that, in its raw form, contains hydrogen sulphide, which can be toxic to humans and animals. About 30 percent of the raw natural gas produced in Alberta each year is sour. The EUBs mandate is to ensure that the discovery, development and delivery of Albertas resources take place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public interest.

This news release is also available on the EUB Website at www.ercb.ca

For more information, please contact:
Marilyn Craig, Public Safety Implementation Team Leader, Tel: (403) 297-3194
Gary Neilson, Senior Advisor, Public Safety Implementation Team, Tel: (403) 297-8552
Greg Gilbertson, Senior Advisor, Public Safety Implementation Team, Tel: (403) 297-3648

NR 2004-02