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TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Dec. 27, 2012) - Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB), a regulated natural gas distribution utility, has a resolution for its customers that they'll want to keep - to maximize the value of natural gas in 2013.

Enbridge Gas Distribution will ring in the New Year with new rates on January 1, 2013. And while the new rates reflect an increase from the previous quarter, the price for natural gas is still relatively low and affordable.

A typical residential customer purchasing their gas supply from Enbridge is still paying about $400 less today for their total annual natural gas bill than they were five years ago. As of January 2013, the annual bill will be about $934. Five years ago, the annual bill for the same customer was about $1,357.*

"Natural gas consistently delivers great value to our customers," said Guy Jarvis, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "Natural gas remains the most economical choice for home and water heating in Ontario."

Based on Enbridge's approved residential rates, natural gas is currently about 69 per cent less expensive than electricity and about 73 per cent less expensive than oil. **

While natural gas continues to be an affordable fuel source, customers can act on this resolution and increase their savings by committing to energy efficiency. Below are some tips for customers using natural gas to heat their homes and water.

Heat your Home Efficiently:

• Set your thermostat 3°C lower while you're asleep or away from home
• Use a programmable thermostat to adjust temperatures according to your schedule
• Keep curtains and furniture from blocking your heating vents
• Vacuum dust and pet hair out of your warm air registers and cold air returns and make sure that the dampers are open
• Open blinds and curtains during the day to let the sun warm your home and close them at night to keep heat inside

Heat your Water Efficiently:

• Fix dripping hot water faucets right away
• Avoid running your water continuously while washing dishes by hand
• Wait until your dishwasher is full, and use the energy-saving cycle
• Take a short shower instead of a bath
• Check the manual for your water heater model, many of them suggest that you drain about four litres of water from the valve at the bottom of your tank to remove any sediment that can gradually build up and reduce efficiency

Enbridge Gas Distribution does not earn a profit on the price of natural gas. Gas supply costs are passed through to customers without any mark-up.

Enbridge Gas Distribution has a more than 160-year history and is Canada's largest natural gas distribution company. It is owned by Enbridge Inc., a Canadian-based leader in energy transportation and distribution and one of the 2012 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations. Enbridge Inc. has been selected as one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012 and is one of Canada's Top 100 Employers. Enbridge Gas Distribution and its affiliates distribute natural gas to more than 1.9 million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com.

* Calculations are based on the assumption that a typical residential customer uses about 3,064 cubic metres of natural gas a year for home and water heating. Historical calculations use typical monthly consumption and Enbridge Gas Distribution's residential rates in effect from April 2007 to March 2008 as compared to those in effect April 2012 to March 2013.

** Natural gas rates are based on Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc.'s approved residential rates effective January 1, 2013. Electricity rates are based on Toronto Hydro's Ontario Energy Board's approved rates effective November 2012 and do not include the Ontario Clean Energy Benefit. Oil prices are based on publicly posted Statistics Canada historical rates up to and including rates available as of October 2012. Costs have been calculated for the equivalent energy consumed by a typical residential customer and include all service, delivery and energy charges. HST is not included.