Emergency Financial Assistance Available to Enbridge Gas Distribution Customers

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Feb. 20, 2013) - Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. (TSX:ENB) (NYSE:ENB) ("Enbridge") reminds customers that the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) is available to eligible natural gas customers having difficulty paying overdue amounts they owe on their natural gas bills.

LEAP emergency financial assistance is a grant program developed by the Ontario Energy Board to supplement existing government initiatives. The LEAP program builds on the Winter Warmth program which provided financial assistance to low-income households struggling to pay their heating bills during the cold winter months. LEAP is available year-round to qualifying Enbridge customers in financial need. It is not intended to provide regular or ongoing bill payment assistance. Eligible customers can apply to receive a one-time payment of up to $500 per household per calendar year, which is credited directly to their bill.

"Although natural gas is less expensive than it was five years ago, we recognize that for some customers managing energy costs can be challenging," said Guy Jarvis, President, Enbridge Gas Distribution. "LEAP is a great program that provides important financial assistance to eligible customers throughout the year round who are having difficulty paying their natural gas bills."

Enbridge customers can visit www.enbridgegas.com/leap to find a local social service agency partner than can help determine if they are eligible.

Emergency financial assistance is also available to other natural gas and electricity customers in Ontario through their local utilities. More information about LEAP is available on the Ontario Energy Board's website at: ontarioenergyboard.ca/OEB/Consumers/Consumer+Protection/Help+for+Low-Income+Energy+Consumers.

Enbridge Gas Distribution Inc. 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 two million customers in Ontario, Quebec, New York State and New Brunswick. For more information, visit www.enbridgegas.com.