2005 - News Release Archives

AgCert and EPCOR enter agreement for Canadian greenhouse gas offset purchase
December 5, 2005 - Dublin/Montreal/Edmonton - AgCert Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of AgCert International plc, has reached an agreement with EPCOR Utilities Inc. for the purchase of Canadian greenhouse gas offset credits generated from farming operations under contract with AgCert Canada. AgCert Canada will deliver 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) offsets to EPCOR per year commencing in 2006 through to 2012. These offsets are to be generated consistent with the standards of the Canadian Offset Program Authority, which is expected to be established in early 2006.

EPCOR's Kingsbridge II wind power project selected in Ontario Renewable Energy RFP
Kingsbridge more than double the size of Canada's largest existing wind farm November 21, 2005 - Edmonton & Toronto - EPCOR will expand Ontario's wind power capacity with its Kingsbridge II Wind Power Project, following the company's success in the Government of Ontario's second competition for new sources of renewable power.

EPCOR completes C$200 million debt offering
November 17, 2005 - EDMONTON - EPCOR Utilities Inc. ("EPCOR") has completed a public offering in Canada of senior unsecured medium term notes in the aggregate principal amount of C$200 million. The notes have a coupon rate of 5.65% and mature on November 16, 2035. The net proceeds of the offering will be used to repay EPCOR's commercial paper indebtedness and for general corporate purposes.

EPCOR Preferred Equity Inc. announces results
November 4, 2005 - EDMONTON - EPCOR Preferred Equity Inc. (TSX: EPE.PR.A), a subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc., reported net income of $3.1 million for the quarter ended September, 30, 2005 and $9.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2005. It also announced that the Company has declared a preferred dividend of $0.34375 per share to be paid on December 30, 2005 to the holders of its Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series I. The record date for the dividend is December 19, 2005.

EPCOR Utilities releases quarterly results
November 4, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR Utilities Inc. today released its quarterly results for the period ended September 30, 2005.

EPCOR sells Alberta mid-sized electricity contracts
September 12, 2005 - EDMONTON - EPCOR Utilities Inc. ("EPCOR") announced today the sale of Alberta mid-sized commercial, industrial and institutional electricity contracts to Nexen Marketing ("Nexen").

EPCOR to Decommission Clover Bar Generating Station
September 6, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR announced today that it will proceed with the decommissioning of its Clover Bar Generating Station on October 1, 2005. Decommissioning is expected to take two years or more.

EPCOR completes acquisition of interest in TransCanada Power, L.P.
Partnership's name changed to EPCOR Power L.P.September 1, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR Utilities Inc. (EPCOR) is pleased to announce the closing of its transaction with TransCanada Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TransCanada) for the acquisition by EPCOR, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, of TransCanada's interest in TransCanada Power, L.P. ("the Partnership"). The transaction was originally announced on May 17, 2005. In connection with the close of the transaction, the Partnership was renamed EPCOR Power L.P. Units of the Partnership (TSX: TPL.UN) will continue to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange, with the new name and symbol (TSX: EP.UN) expected to take effect on September 6, 2005.

EPCOR announces settlement of FortisAlberta litigation
August 8, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR today announced that it has reached an agreement with FortisAlberta to settle all aspects of a Statement of Claim filed on August 18, 2003 against Aquila Networks Canada in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta. Terms of the settlement are confidential.

EPCOR Preferred Equity Inc. announces results
July 28, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR Preferred Equity Inc. (TSX: EPE.PR.A), a subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc., reported net income of $3.1 million for the quarter ended June 30, 2005 and $6.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2005. It also announced that the Company has declared a preferred dividend of $0.34375 per share to be paid on September 30, 2005 to the holders of its Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series I. The record date for the dividend is September 21, 2005.

EPCOR Utilities releases quarterly results
July 28, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR Utilities Inc. today released its quarterly results for the period ended June 30, 2005.

EPCOR obtains 60,000 tonnes CO2 emission offsets from Taylor NGL Limited Partnership (with the option to an additional 500,000 tonnes)
July 18, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR has acquired 60,000 tonnes of emission offsets plus the rights to an additional 500,000 tonnes that are expected to be created over the next eight years at Taylor NGL Limited Partnership's Turin sour gas processing plant in southern Alberta.

EPCOR sells Ontario mass-market and mid-market electricity contracts
May 19, 2005 - EDMONTON - EPCOR Utilities Inc. ("EPCOR") announced today the sale of its Ontario residential, small commercial and commercial and industrial electricity contracts to Energy Savings Income Fund ("ESIF").

EPCOR acquires TransCanada's interest in TransCanada Power, L.P.
EPCOR to assume role of manager and operator of the Partnership's assets May 17, 2005 - EDMONTON and CALGARY - EPCOR Utilities Inc. (EPCOR) and TransCanada Corporation (TSX, NYSE: TRP) (TransCanada) have entered into an agreement whereby EPCOR will acquire TransCanada's interest in TransCanada Power, L.P. (TSX: TPL.UN) for $529 million.

EPCOR expands its presence in the Oregon electricity market
May 10, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR has now received certification as a Scheduling Electricity Service Supplier (ESS) in PacifiCorp's Oregon territory.

EPCOR Utilities releases quarterly results
May 4, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR Utilities Inc. today released its quarterly results for the period ended March 31, 2005.

EPCOR Preferred Equity Inc. announces results
May 4, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR Preferred Equity Inc. (TSX: EPE.PR.A), a subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc., reported net income of $3.0 million for the quarter ended March 31, 2005. It also announced that the Company has declared a preferred dividend of $0.34375 per share to be paid on June 30, 2005 to the holders of its Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series I. The record date for the dividend is June 21, 2005.

EPCOR acquires rights for 270MW of Ontario wind power in acquisition of Port Albert Wind Farms Ltd.
April 21, 2005 - Ontario - EPCOR has reached an agreement for the acquisition of Ontario-based Port Albert Wind Farms Ltd. (PAWF). The purchase agreement provides EPCOR with the development and interconnection rights for over 270 megawatts (MW) of wind power near the shores of Lake Huron, as well as a 660 kW turbine currently in operation.

Balancing Pool ending Clover Bar Power Purchase Arrangement, October 2005
April 5, 2005 - Edmonton - On April 1, 2005 the Balancing Pool advised EPCOR of its decision to terminate the Clover Bar Power Purchase Arrangement ("PPA") effective October 1, 2005 in accordance with Part 6, Section 97 of the Electric Utilities Act. PPAs are the long-term arrangements approved by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board for the sale of electrical energy from previously regulated generating units to the purchasers or holders of the PPAs. The payment required to be made by the Balancing Pool to EPCOR on termination is estimated to be in the range of $80 million to $90 million. EPCOR is currently assessing the implications of this termination on future operations of the Clover Bar generating station and the appropriate accounting treatment for the termination payment.

EPCOR announces lower electricity rates for April
April 4, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR residential and small commercial electricity customers will receive a pleasant surprise on their bills this spring; lower rates. This applies to regulated rate tariff customers both within and outside the Edmonton service territory.

EPCOR Preferred Equity Inc. announces results
March 31, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR Preferred Equity Inc. (TSX: EPE.PR.A), a subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc., reported net income of $3.2 million for the quarter ended December 31, 2004 and $12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. During 2004, the Company declared and paid a preferred dividend of $11.0 million to its First Preferred, Series I shareholders.

EPCOR announces 2004 financial results
March 30, 2005 - EDMONTON - EPCOR Utilities Inc. today filed its annual and fourth quarter results for 2004. "EPCOR delivered solid financial performance in 2004 with net income from continuing operations of $200.6 million," said President and CEO Don Lowry. "In addition, we completed the Genesee Phase 3 coal fired power plant, on time and on budget, plus competed for and won new business in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta across both our water and power lines of business."

Capital Region Residents Advised to Return to Normal Water Use
March 21, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR is advising customers to return to normal water use today, following a reduction in the heavy spring run-off conditions which required that EPCOR slow water production at its EL Smith and Rossdale water treatment facilities. Customer consumption in the region declined following EPCOR's initial request to conserve water last week. On Monday, March 14 consumption was 338 million litres, dropping to a low of 315 million litres on Friday, March 18, remaining at lower levels over the weekend.

EPCOR Requesting Continuation of Water Conservation Through Weekend
March 17, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR is extending a request for water conservation efforts in Edmonton and the Capital Region through the weekend as spring run-off conditions in the North Saskatchewan River continue to be heavy. These conditions require EPCOR to slow water production at its EL Smith and Rossdale treatment facilities to ensure the highest levels of water quality for its customers.

Heavy Spring Run-off Limiting Water Production
March 14, 2005 - Edmonton - Warm temperatures in Alberta over the last two weeks have caused an early and heavy spring-run off in the North Saskatchewan River. To ensure that water quality remains at the highest levels possible, EPCOR has slowed the water treatment process. As a result, water consumption in the Capital Region is exceeding water production at EPCOR's two water treatment plants: EL Smith and Rossdale.

Grand Prize Draw Approaching for Alberta's Favourite Artist/Performer Contest
March 11, 2005 - Edmonton - March 15th is the final day for Albertans to enter to win the grand prize package of a trip for two to the Alberta Scene in Ottawa, including return airfare, four nights accommodation and tickets to several Alberta Scene events. Voting for Albertans' favourite artists/performers and weekly draws for arts and cultural prize packages will continue until July 30.

Building a Sustainable Future at Britannia Mine
March 3, 2005 - Britannia Beach - A new water treatment plant at the old Britannia Mine site means a cleaner future for Howe Sound and the Sea-to-Sky corridor, thanks to a partnership between the province and EPCOR. Sustainable Resources Minister George Abbott and Dr. Steve Stanley, president of EPCOR Water Services, officially broke ground on the project today.

Genesee 3, Canada's most advanced coal-fired unit, declared operational
March 1, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR Utilities Inc. and TransAlta Corporation (TSX: TA; NYSE: TAC) are proud to announce the completion of the 450 megawatt (MW) Genesee 3 (G3) generating facility, the most advanced coal-fired plant ever built in Canada. Commercial operation has been declared, effective Tuesday, March 1, 2005.

EPCOR Preferred Equity Inc. announces dividends
February 25, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR Preferred Equity Inc. (TSX: EPE.PR.A), a subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc., announced that it has declared a preferred dividend of $0.34375 per share to be paid on March 31, 2005, to the holders of its Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series I. The record date for the dividend is March 18, 2005.

EPCOR tops in Alberta for workplace learning
February 24, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR has been named winner of the 2005 Alberta Business Awards of Distinction, University of Alberta/Telus Workplace Learning Award. The award recognizes the employer most committed to, and successfully implementing, learning or training opportunities for their employees in the workplace.

Alberta Scene set to profile Alberta's creative energy in nation's capital, April 28 to May 10, 2005
February 23, 2005 - Edmonton/Ottawa - EPCOR, one of Canada's leading providers of power and water services, joined the National Arts Centre (NAC) today in announcing many of the 600 artists and performers participating in the NAC's Alberta Scene. The Alberta Scene is EPCOR's Centennial gift to Alberta and a continuation of the company's on-going support of the province's arts community.

EPCOR seeking volunteers for annual home water "sniffer" program
February 11, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR Water Services is looking for volunteers to help support our goal of providing water of outstanding quality. As a part of EPCOR's Home Sniffing Program, volunteers take taste and "sniff" samples of the tap water in their homes. Information provided by volunteers helps ensure that EPCOR's multi-barrier process - clarification, filtration, chlorination, UV treatment and continuous monitoring - continues to deliver some of the highest quality water in Canada.

EPCOR looking for your favourite Alberta performers / artists
Contest offers Albertans a chance to win trip to the Alberta Scene and dozens of tickets to other events. January 19, 2005 - Edmonton - EPCOR will award a trip for two to the Alberta Scene and dozens of tickets to arts and cultural events across the province in a contest now underway. As part of the contest, EPCOR is asking Albertans to name their favourite artists or performers in a number of creative areas.

Royal Glenora Club goes green with EPCOR
January 14, 2005 - Edmonton - Edmonton's Royal Glenora Club, renowned for its friendly atmosphere, is choosing an environmentally friendly solution to how it purchases electricity. The Club will purchase 10% of its electricity requirements through EnVest Green Tags, EPCOR Merchant and Capital's green power program.