Gaz Métro registers the first sustainability report based on the fourth-generation GRI in Quebec

MONTREAL, March 24, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - Valener Inc. ("Valener") (TSX: VNR) is pleased to announce that Gaz Métro Limited Partnership ("Gaz Métro") has published today its 2013 Sustainability Report based on Global Reporting Initiative ("GRI") Guidelines. Determined to be a leader in a transitioning energy sector, Gaz Métro decided to meet the very latest transparency and disclosure standards by opting to follow the fourth-generation (G4) GRI Guidelines. Gaz Métro is therefore releasing the first GRI G4 sustainability report, in Quebec.

Stéphanie Trudeau, Vice President, Strategy, Communication and Sustainability, said: "This report is the result of an approach based on Gaz Métro's deeply rooted values, which are responsibility, performance and respect. Setting up a reporting structure in a recognized, rigorous framework was a key component of our sustainable initiative." In 2012, Gaz Métro developed its Sustainable Development Roadmap by seeking input directly from its stakeholders. The exercise identified 19 commitments to be reached by 2017, including measuring its extra-financial performance in accordance with GRI standards. This first report covers the fiscal year starting October 1, 2012 and ending September 30, 2013 and calls for greater transparency and better balance in the information disclosed.

The materiality assessment required by GRI G4 also ranked stakeholders' priority issues. Among the most important are social acceptability of the product, employees health and safety, safety of the gas network and energy efficiency.

In addition to detailing our environmental initiatives, this report presents some of our accomplishments in the areas of relations with the community, responsible procurement, ethics and integrity and employee relations.

Consult the summary sheet and full report here: www.gazmetro.com/sd

Overview of Valener
Valener owns an economic interest of approximately 29% in Gaz Métro. Valener therefore has a stake in the energy industry and benefits from Gaz Métro's diversified profile, both in terms of geography and business segment. Valener also owns a 24.5% indirect interest in the Seigneurie de Beaupré Wind Farms jointly developed with Gaz Métro and Boralex Inc., with the
272-megawatt Phase I in service since December 2013. Valener's common shares and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the "VNR" trading symbol for common shares and under the "VNR.PR.A" symbol for Series A preferred shares. www.valener.com.

Overview of Gaz Métro
With more than $5 billion in assets, Gaz Métro is a leading energy provider. It is the largest natural gas distribution company in Quebec, where its network of over 10,000 km of underground pipelines serves 300 municipalities and more than 190,000 customers. Gaz Métro is also present in Vermont, producing electricity and distributing electricity and natural gas to meet the needs of more than 305,000 customers. Gaz Métro is actively involved in the development of innovative, promising energy projects such as the production of wind power, the use of natural gas as a transportation fuel and the development of biomethane. Gaz Métro is a major energy sector player who takes the lead in responding to the needs of its customers, regions and municipalities, local organizations, and communities while also satisfying the expectations of its Partners (Gaz Métro inc. and Valener) and employees. www.gazmetro.com

SOURCE: Valener Inc.

Investors and Analysts, Caroline Warren, Investor Relations, 514-598-3324; Media, Catherine Houde, Public Affairs, 514-598-3449, www.twitter.com/gazmetro #GazmetroDD, www.gazmetro.com/pressroom, Photos, videos (b-roll) and logos are available in Gaz Métro's Multimedia library