Spectra Energy Progressing On $1.5 Billion Expansion Program In British Columbia

Spectra Energy Corp

is pleased to announce that the company is progressing on its 2009-2013 $1.5 billion expansion program in British Columbia (B.C.). The company is also poised to invest an additional $4-6 billion in B.C. beyond 2015, thereby extending its commitment to job growth and economic development activity, among other benefits, for communities across the province. The company's $1.5 billion expansion program was designed to safely, reliably and responsibly develop the necessary natural gas infrastructure to meet B.C.'s domestic natural gas needs, as well as those of other energy markets in North America. The recent expansion includes construction of two new natural gas processing facilities in northeast B.C., including associated natural gas gathering pipelines, and further expansion of the company's natural gas transmission system in B.C. These projects create more than 1,350 construction jobs and result in $120 million in contracts with northeast B.C. First Nations and local contractors in the province. In addition, as a result of Spectra Energy's extensive infrastructure and ongoing investments in B.C., the company's annual property taxes now total $64 million, supporting much needed services within the province. That makes Spectra Energy the single largest contributor to property taxes in the province. "I'm pleased that we're aligned with the Province of B.C.'s natural gas and LNG strategies and am confident that our shared interests in job growth and economic development activity will continue for many years," said Doug Bloom, president, Spectra Energy's Western Canadian Operations. "We've been investing in communities across B.C. since 1957 and believe we are an integral part of the province's energy sector. With over 850 employees living and working in the province and a natural gas system that delivers benefits for all B.C. residents, we remain committed to ongoing, responsible growth of B.C.'s natural gas sector."