Toronto-based Enbridge Gas Distribution said Thursday it received approval from the Ontario Energy Board to adjust the gas supply cost portion of its rates effective July 1. The regulated gas utility said the impact of the charges would vary based on the amount of gas used and whether customers buy their natural gas from the utility or a gas marketer.

Enbridge delivers gas to about 1.7 million customers in its franchise area. Of those customers, about 60% buy their gas supply from the utility, and the other 40% buy their gas supply directly from marketers.

The utility’s gas supply charge, the actual cost of the gas without mark-up, will increase 16%. The new residential gas supply price will be C28.6 cents per cubic meter, up from C24.07 cents. For a typical residential customer who buys gas from the utility, this represents an annual increase of C$122, Enbridge said. Customers who buy their gas from a marketer will continue to pay the price specified in their contract with that marketer.

Enbridge said its delivery charge for all customers — whether they buy from the utility or a marketer — also will increase “slightly,” attributable to higher costs for natural gas storage, which are included in the delivery charge. For a typical residential customer, the annual increase to the delivery charge will be approximately C$4.

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