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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

Calgary, Alberta (October 27, 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 key developments in the EUB's progress 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 Key Developments in the EUB's Implementation Progress September 2004," the report notes that the committee is generally satisfied with the overall implementation progress. It also notes that, as it would expect due to the complex nature, broad scope and reliance on completion of earlier work, progress on implementation of the remaining recommendations is proceeding at a slightly slower pace than some earlier undertakings.

EUB Chairman Neil McCrank said: "On behalf of the EUB, I am very pleased that the committee has provided us with such a constructive critique of key work underway to address some very complex recommendations. 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 50 recommendations and is continuing work to address the remaining 37 recommendations.

McCrank further stated: "We are not only listening to the concerns expressed by Albertans regarding sour gas developments, but we are responding to those concerns through changes in the way we conduct our business and how we expect industry to conduct its business."

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 EUB ensures that the discovery, development and delivery of Alberta's resources and utilities services takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public interest.

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This news release is available on the EUB Web site at http://www.ercb.ca.

For more information, please contact:

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

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