Union Gas helps students try their hand at energy projects

$2,100 grant to Limestone Learning Foundation supports innovative prototyping program

NAPANEE, ON, Dec. 6, 2012 /CNW/ - Union Gas is helping Limestone Learning Foundation fund the Energy Prototyping Project at Ernestown Secondary School, courtesy of a $2,100 grant awarded today.

Through the project, students will take part in a hands-on energy-related project that involves designing and building a scale wind turbine model, testing it in a wind tunnel, calculating material costs and cycle times, and presenting their design ideas to other students.

Peter Siemonsen, Union Gas utility service construction manager for Kingston, presented the cheque to Leslie Myles, managing director of Limestone Learning Foundation, at the Foundations' Fall Grants Presentation, held today at Southview Public School. Joining in the event were Limestone Learning Foundation board members, grant donors and recipients, teachers, students and members of the public.

"At Union Gas, we believe in investing today to ensure a bright tomorrow," said Siemonsen. "That means supporting important education programs in the communities we serve. We are very pleased to help Limestone Learning Foundation support projects like Ernestown Secondary School's Energy Prototyping Project and make this community an even better place to live and work."

The Energy Prototyping Project is one of many innovative energy projects supported by Limestone Learning Foundation through its Energy Focus Program.

"By emphasizing hands-on work that includes building, measuring and testing, the program can open pathways to future careers in environmental management, greenhouse agricultural work, heating and ventilation installation, green construction, solar panel installation and the electrical trades," said Kevin Firth, who teaches the Ernestown Secondary School's Energy Focus Program.

Over the past 100 years, Union Gas has been privileged to work in more than 400 Ontario communities. In addition to natural gas delivery services for homes and businesses, Union Gas has contributed to the province through significant economic investments, hundreds of jobs, millions in municipal taxes, energy efficiency programs, thousands of volunteer hours for community organizations, major charitable giving and sponsorships. Last year alone, Union Gas contributed $3 million to charitable organizations across Ontario, including more than $900,000 to United Way. For more information visit uniongas.com/community.

About Limestone Learning Foundation
The Limestone Learning Foundation is a registered charitable organization established by the Limestone District School Board in 1999, to enhance public education by raising money for projects and initiatives that could not otherwise be offered by the Board. Through shared responsibility and community partnership, the Limestone Learning Foundation enhances the quality of public education, maximizing the learning opportunities for every student served by the Limestone District School Board. For more information, visit limestone.on.ca/llf.

About Union Gas
Union Gas Limited is a major Canadian natural gas storage, transmission and distribution company based in Ontario with 100 years of experience and service to customers. The distribution business serves about 1.4 million residential, commercial and industrial customers in more than 400 communities across northern, southwestern and eastern Ontario. Union Gas, named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers  for 2011, 2012 and 2013 and one of Canada's Greenest Employers for 2012, is a Spectra Energy (NYSE: SE) company with assets of $5.8 billion and approximately 2,200 employees. For more information, visit uniongas.com.

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SOURCE: Union Gas Limited

CONTACTS:

Union Gas Limited
Andrea Stass
Manager, External Communications and Media Relations
Ph: 519 436-5490 or 1-800-571-8446 ext. 5005490
Cell: 519 365-1010
[email protected]

Limestone Learning Foundation
Leslie Myles
Managing Director
Ph:  613-544-6925 ext. 210
[email protected]