JOHN WELLARD NAMED PRESIDENT OF UNION GAS LIMITED

CHATHAM, Ontario---- John Wellard, a long-time employee of Union Gas Limited, has been named president of the company, effective immediately. He replaces Jane Peverett, who is assuming a position in British Columbia with another company.

Wellard, most recently vice president of sales and marketing for Union Gas, is well known throughout Ontario. He is a fixture in the provincial natural gas business, having made numerous appearances before the Ontario Energy Board and actively participated in energy association work.

He joined the company in 1979 as manager, engineering and distribution administration at Centra Gas.  John went on to hold progressively more senior positions at Centra culminating in 1994 in the position of vice president, distribution operations.  He was a key member of the executive team responsible for the integration of Centra and Union Gas and in 1996 was appointed vice president, operations for the combined Ontario company.  In 1999, he was appointed senior vice president, asset management which he held until he was named to his most recent assignment in 2002.

Wellard earned a bachelor of science degree in mining engineering from Queen’s University in 1973, graduating with honours.

He will report to Phil Knoll, executive vice president of Duke Energy Gas Transmission.

Union Gas is an integrated natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company serving about 1,147,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities in southwestern, northern and eastern Ontario.  The Company also provides storage and transportation services to other energy companies in Ontario, Quebec and the United States.  Union Gas is a Duke Energy company. 

Contact:	Roz Elliott
Phone:	519/436-4624
24 Hour Phone:	n/a
Email:	relliot@uniongas.com