Manure Manager

Jul. 26, 2012, Saint-Hyacinthe, QC – Gaz Métro is proud to announce the first project to inject biomethane into its distribution network. This project marks an important milestone in the development of a new renewable energy sector in Québec. The project was announced at a press conference held today in Saint-Hyacinthe in the presence of the Honourable Senator Jean-Guy Dagenais, Pierre Arcand, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Parks, Claude Bernier, Mayor of Saint-Hyacinthe, and Sophie Brochu, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gaz Métro. The project envisages the construction of an anaerobic digestion plant in Saint-Hyacinthe, along with infrastructure for injecting the biomethane into the Gaz Métro distribution network.

The Québec government has implemented a program for treating organic matter by anaerobic digestion, or composting, in order to divert organic matter from landfill sites and so produce biomethane, a new green energy, that will gradually replace fossil and other fuels.

“With this first announcement of the injection of biomethane into our natural gas distribution network, we are opening a new chapter in our energy plans for the benefit of our customers, our partners and the community,” said Sophie Brochu. “When it comes to renewable energy, Gaz Métro is a partner with Québec and with all Quebecers in the pursuit of our collective goal to unite energy, the economy and the environment.”

The biomethane produced in Saint-Hyacinthe and injected into Gaz Métro’s network will, in time, lead to an annual reduction of 25,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas.

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In accordance with the agreement signed between the City of Saint-Hyacinthe and Gaz Métro, Gaz Métro will purchase the energy produced by the city and will put in place the infrastructure needed to inject the biomethane into its distribution network and so make it available to its customers. Gaz Métro is thus responding  as a public service to the needs of municipalities and to the Québec government’s desire to promote biomethane, a locally produced, renewable energy. The project is subject to approval by the Régie de l’énergie.

About Gaz Métro

With almost $5 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is a major natural gas distributor. It is the principal natural gas distribution company in Québec, where its more than 10,000-km underground network serves some 300 municipalities. Gaz Métro also operates in Vermont, where it is active in the distribution of electricity and natural gas. As well, Gaz Métro is actively involved in the development of promising energy projects, such as the production of wind power, the use of natural gas as a fuel for transportation, and the promotion of biomethane. Gaz Métro is dedicated to satisfying the 180,000 Québec and 295,000 Vermont customers it serves, as well as its partners (Gaz Métro inc. and Valener), its employees, and the communities where it operates. www.gazmetro.com

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