EPCOR awarded contract for a wind power project through Ontario Renewable RFP

EDMONTON, Nov 25, 2004 Canada NewsWire

EPCOR will expand Canada's wind power capacity with a new wind farm built near the shore of Lake Huron, following the company's success in the Government of Ontario's competition for new sources of renewable power. EPCOR Power Development Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of EPCOR Utilities Inc, participated in Ontario's Renewable Energy Supply RFP process and has successfully entered into an agreement for the purchase of power from a 39.6 megawatt wind-farm to be built near the community of Goderich. Construction of the project will begin in early 2005, pending final regulatory approvals.

"The Ontario government's RFP process demonstrates that government and the private sector can work together to respond to Canadians' strong interest in developing additional renewable energy," said EPCOR President & CEO Don Lowry. "By working together, we can address the challenges of ensuring a strong and affordable power supply and protection of the environment."

EPCOR's Kingsbridge Wind Power Project will be situated within the Township of Ashfield Colborne Wawanosh. Township Reeve Ben Van Diepenbeek noted that there was considerable support for the project in the local community: "We have long known that our area has a very strong wind resource. The Kingsbridge Wind Power Project will offer both economic development for the local area and a new source of clean electricity for the entire province. We look forward to working with EPCOR to move ahead with this project."

EPCOR is currently working with the community and government officials to complete regulatory approvals and the consultation process for the project.

"This area possesses one of the most favourable wind systems in Ontario," said Paul McMillan, Senior Vice President, Business Development, EPCOR Utilities Inc. "These strong wind patterns combined with the outstanding support for the project we have received from the community, makes this an ideal location for a productive wind farm."

EPCOR is one of Canada's leaders in developing both conventional and renewable sources of power. The company builds, owns and operates facilities powered by small hydro, wind, solar and landfill gas.

EPCOR Utilities Inc. is one of Canada's top providers of energy and energy-related services and products. Drawing on over 100 years of experience, EPCOR owns and operates power plants, electrical transmission and distribution networks, builds and operates water and wastewater treatment facilities and infrastructure and provides power and water solutions to customers in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and the U.S. Pacific Northwest. With over $4 billion in assets, EPCOR is headquartered in Edmonton, Alberta. EPCOR's web-site is www.epcor.ca.

Backgrounder

------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kingsbridge Wind Power Project The community and location - 39.6MW generated from 22 turbines - Located within a 22km area near - Project cost: $70-$80 million Goderich, Ontario (approx 200 - Turbine height: 80m km west of Toronto on the - Rotor diameter: 44m northern shore of Lake Huron) - Output: 1.8MW per turbine - Area has rich agricultural lands and is key tourist destination - EPCOR has commenced a consultation process with area residents and will continue this process during construction and operation. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- EPCOR's conventional generation EPCOR's renewable generation facilities facilities - 820 MW Genesee generating station, Small-hydro coal-fired ----------- - 660 MW Clover Bar generating - 33 MW facility in southwestern station, natural gas B.C. - 220 MW Rossdale generating station, - 13 MW facility in southern natural gas Alberta (50 per cent ownership) - 416 MW Joffre cogeneration facility 50% ownership (40% ownership) - 7 MW facility in northwestern - 249 MW Frederickson Power facility BC. (Tacoma, WA) 50% ownership Wind power ---------- - 900kw Weather Dancer 1, a wind turbine in southern Alberta. A joint venture with the Piikani Utility Corporation.

Landfill gas (LFG) ------------------ - 4.5 MW landfill gas project is proposed for construction, Dec 2004.

Solar power ----------- - Located on the roof of EPCOR Centre in Edmonton; the first EcoLogo certified PV system in Canada ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Genesee Phase 3 (GP3) - Canada's most advanced coal-combustion technology - 450 MW facility scheduled for commercial operation in spring 2005. - GP3 will offset CO(2) emissions to the level of a combined cycle, natural gas facility. One of the first commitments of its kind in North America. - Substantial reductions in other emissions through the application of an advanced technology suite: - SO(2): 57% below new Alberta standards - NO(x): 54% reduction - Particulate Matter: 99.8% capture efficiency -------------------------------------------------------------------------

VIEW ADDITIONAL COMPANY-SPECIFIC INFORMATION: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/orgDisplay.cgi?okey=22885

For further information: EPCOR Corporate Relations, (780) 412-8877

News release via Canada NewsWire, Calgary 403-269-7605

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