As a result of initial decisions from the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB), ENMAX Corporation today announced typical monthly residential bills for electricity in Calgary will remain steady at approximately $68 for the first half of 2006, based on a typical monthly consumption of 625 kWh.

ENMAX also warned that rising wholesale electricity prices mean it is likely bills for customers on the regulated rates will rise later in the year.

“Despite recent wholesale energy cost increases, we are pleased we have been able to keep Calgarians’ energy prices about 30 to 40 per cent lower than regulated rates elsewhere in Alberta – at least for the first half of this year,” said Gary Holden, president and chief executive officer, ENMAX Corporation. “These wholesale price increases mean regulated prices to customers will probably increase in July and this may prompt people to look at energy options, such as EasyMax.”

If customers choose to sign up their electricity and natural gas with ENMAX Energy’s EasyMax offer, they can receive EasyMax Savings of $100 each year, do not have to make a long-term commitment, and can leave at any time without penalty. For a limited period, customers can also choose a fixed electricity rate for one year of 6 cents a kWh.

The EUB’s ruling also affects the Equity Funding Rider, the charge on Calgarians’ bills that pays for investment in and maintenance of the city’s growing electrical distribution system.  ENMAX has been investing about $100 million each year in this area, aiming to maintain the company’s outstanding reliability record.

“The EUB have shown that they don’t support this method of paying for the infrastructure on which we all depend, so we will need to find another funding mechanism,” said Holden.  “We’ve only just received the ruling and we’re still looking at our alternatives, which we can then discuss with The City to find a solution acceptable to all stakeholders.”

ENMAX Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary. ENMAX provides electricity, natural gas, renewable energy and value-added services to more than 435,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Alberta through its subsidiary companies. In addition, ENMAX owns 50% of Canada’s largest wind farm and has the first and largest green power marketing program of its kind in Canada. For more information, visit our website at enmax.com.