BC Gas Inc. announced it has received approval in the form of an Advance Ruling Certificate from the Canadian Competition Bureau for its previously announced acquisition of Centra Gas British Columbia Inc. and Centra Gas Whistler Inc. from Westcoast Energy Inc.

An application has been filed with the B.C. Utilities Commission, and BC Gas anticipates receiving approval from the BCUC on a timely basis.

The Province of British Columbia, whose approval is also required, has advised BC Gas that a minor legislative amendment is required for the sale to be completed. The Minister of Energy and Mines has indicated an intention to recommend introduction of the required amendment at the next sitting of the Legislature of the Province of British Columbia in February 2002.

BC Gas said it was very confident that the various approvals needed for the closing of the Centra Gas acquisition will be received on a timely basis. Given the time required to pass the necessary legislation, BC Gas anticipates that closing will take place in early March 2002. The Centra Gas acquisition agreement provides that the earnings of Centra Gas are for the account of BC Gas effective Jan. 1, 2002. The earnings of Centra Gas will therefore be included in BC Gas’ earnings from that date.

BC Gas is a leading provider of energy and utility services in Western Canada through its two principal operating subsidiaries, BC Gas Utility Ltd. and Trans Mountain Pipe Line Company Ltd., and through a number of non-regulated related businesses. BC Gas Utility is the largest distributor of natural gas in British Columbia, serving 764,000 customers.

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