Montréal, Friday, September 8, 2000

Robert Tessier, President and Chief Executive Officer of Gaz Métropolitain, is pleased to announce the creation of a new energy services company: “Since I announced the creation of Gaz Métropolitain Plus last fall, a team led by André Gougeon was set up. Since then, this team has worked full-time with us so that this project would become a reality. The unregulated appliance sales, leasing and maintenance activities will henceforth be looked after by Gaz Métropolitain Plus. This will enable us to maximize the development of these activities and better respond to the expectations of our customers. This is an exciting time for us.”

Gaz Métropolitain Plus

“A new company to meet a new need” says André Gougeon, President of Gaz Métropolitain Plus. With its technical personnel and its network of business partners, this wholly owned subsidiary of Gaz Métropolitain and Company, Limited Partnership will provide superior integrated energy products and services that will meet the needs of its gas customers in Québec.

A quality focus in providing its clientele with additional products and services is the challenge that Gaz Métropolitain Plus intends to meet with its know-how and in its role as a specialist that works hand-in-hand with its customers. This will enable it to provide guidance with respect to all acquisitions of natural gas equipment and services by its residential, commercial and industrial customers.

Gaz Métropolitain Plus will provide service until 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Emergency service will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week. Starting today, customers will benefit from simpler administrative procedures as there will be only one player. The new company offers its services as an energy manager to ensure the comfort, economy and peace of mind of its clientele. The analysts at Gaz Métropolitain Plus, together with their various certified business partners, will propose innovative solutions adapted to customer needs.

Finally, Gaz Métropolitain Plus intends to pursue the same course of action initiated by Gaz Métropolitain with respect to the various residential and commercial protection plans. Gaz Métropolitain Plus will honour any Gaz Métropolitain protection plans in force. Our clientele will henceforth enjoy the benefits of the quality service provided by Gaz Métropolitain Plus at better prices.

Gaz Métropolitain

With sales of nearly $1.5 billion and more than 1,300 employees, Gaz Métropolitain is a major energy player in Québec and the third largest natural gas distributor in Canada. Gaz Métropolitain serves more than 160,000 customers in 250 municipalities in Québec and is also present in the northeastern United States. Its underground pipeline system covers more than 8,400 kilometers.