EQUS Welcomes Removal of Market Restrictions and New Integrated Operation Agreement

INNISFAIL, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Aug. 30, 2016) - EQUS REA LTD., the largest member-owned utility in Canada, is pleased with the 2016 Arbitration decision that confirms EQUS' right to provide electric distribution services to anyone within EQUS' designated Service Area in rural Alberta. This decision paved the way for a new Integrated Operation Agreement (IOA) between EQUS and FortisAlberta, which guides the operation of both entities integrated electrical distribution systems. The new IOA takes effect today September 1, 2016.

The Arbitrator's decision reflects the changing times and the final determination states that while EQUS' Service Area is defined by a geographic boundary, that membership in EQUS will contain no eligibility provisions other than those determined by their by-laws.

EQUS Chairman Glen Fox states, "EQUS has long-held the opinion that interpretations in the previous IOA regarding the eligibility of a consumer living and operating in the EQUS Service Area and wishing to be an EQUS member was restrictive and not in the interests of rural Alberta or EQUS' members. EQUS has consistently defended the rural consumers' right to choose EQUS."

Pat Bourne, Chief Executive Officer, confirms, "EQUS operates under co-operative business principles and becoming a member is simple. Over the years, we have responded to an increased demand for services from consumers who want the advantages a co-operative, and in particular EQUS, offers."

For more information on EQUS and how to become a member, please visit www.equs.ca.

About EQUS:

For nearly 70 years, EQUS REA LTD. has been providing safe and reliable electric distribution services to commercial and industrial developments, oil and gas operations, telecommunication towers, production facilities, homes and farms throughout 26 Alberta municipal districts and counties under a co-operative business model. Serving 11,800 members, EQUS is the largest member-owned utility in Canada and operates offices in Innisfail, Claresholm, Bow Island and Onoway, with a Main Office located in Innisfail.