Utah Public Service Commission Approves Wexpro II
The Utah Public Service Commission has approved Wexpro II, a new
agreement that substantially duplicates a unique natural gas-production
model that has benefited Questar Gas customers and Questar shareholders
for more than three decades.
'We′re very pleased the forward-looking Utah PSC is allowing us an
opportunity to replicate the long-term success of the Wexpro Agreement,?
said Ron Jibson, chairman, president and CEO of Questar Corporation
(NYSE:STR). 'Since its 1981 creation, the Wexpro Agreement has saved
Questar Gas customers more than $1.3 billion and produced an average
return on investment of more than 20 percent for our shareholders. This
win-win model is unique in our industry, and we′re confident we can
perpetuate this success by adding new properties to a new agreement.?
The new agreement, dubbed Wexpro II, is similar to the original 1981
Wexpro Agreement. That 1981 agreement is a major reason Questar Gas′s
residential natural gas rates are among the nation′s lowest. It governs
a contractually dedicated gas supply produced by Questar subsidiary
Wexpro Company. Under the terms of the 1981 agreement, Wexpro Company
produces and delivers natural gas to Questar Gas at its cost of
production. In return, Wexpro Company earns a contractual return on
capital invested in successful development wells. Wexpro Company′s
economic model is similar to a regulated utility.
'The original Wexpro Agreement governs production from certain
properties that Questar owned in the ′80s,? Jibson explained. 'In recent
years, more than half of Questar Gas′s supply has been produced from
these properties. Even though technology has extended the life of those
original properties beyond expectations, it makes sense to evaluate new
properties that could potentially be added under a new agreement for the
long-term benefit of our customers and shareholders.?
Wexpro Company′s technical staff is evaluating properties that
regulators could consider for inclusion in this new opportunity to
duplicate Wexpro′s proven success.
Questar Gas also serves southwestern Wyoming. The Public Service
Commission of Wyoming was a party to the original agreement and is also
considering Questar Gas′s request to establish a new agreement.
About Questar Corporation: Questar is a Rockies-based integrated
natural gas company with an enterprise value of about $5.5 billion,
operating through three principal subsidiaries: Questar Gas
distributes natural gas in Utah, Wyoming and Idaho; Wexpro Company develops
and produces natural gas at cost-of-service for Questar Gas; and Questar
Pipeline operates interstate natural gas pipelines and storage
facilities in the western U.S.
This release may contain 'forward-looking statements? as defined by
applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements give
expectations or forecasts of future events. Sometimes, but not always,
these statements can be identified by such qualifying words such as
'expect,? 'plan,? 'believe,? or other words and terms that describe
potential future operations of financial performance. Because these
statements are based on current expectations and economic conditions,
they involve uncertainties and risks and may turn out to be wrong.
Actual results may differ materially based on: general economic
conditions, including performance of financial markets and interest
rates; changes in industry trends; changes in laws or regulations; and
other factors, most of which are beyond Questar′s control. Questar
undertakes no obligation to publicly correct or update forward-looking
statements in this or other documents, or on our website. All such
statements are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.
Questar Corporation
Investors: Tony Ivins, 801-324-5218
Media:
Chad Jones, 801-324-5495
