Over Three-Quarters (77%) of Albertans Support New Electricity Transmission Infrastructure to Serve Their Community

Calgary, Alberta - An Ipsos Reid survey on electricity transmission in Alberta has found that almost one-half (45%) of Albertans are concerned their community will be affected by an inadequate supply of electricity in the next five years (15% extremely concerned and 30% somewhat concerned). Perhaps not surprisingly then, the survey finds that residents of the province strongly support the development of new electricity transmission lines in Alberta. Over three quarters (77%) of Albertans support (32% strongly support, 45% somewhat support) building new electricity transmission lines in their area to serve the needs of the local community. And fully two thirds (66%) support (23% strongly support, 43% somewhat support) the building of new transmission lines through their area if required to serve the electricity needs of other Alberta communities.

Study author Mark Laver noted "Albertans appear to have made the connection that electricity plays a vital role in supporting our economy and our everyday lives. They understand that much of what we have wouldn't be possible without electricity."

The study finds high levels of support for the development of new transmission lines among residents of all regions in Alberta. In Calgary and Edmonton support is 71% and 77% respectively with even higher levels being recorded in the Central (79%), Southern (82%) and Northern (84%) regions of the province.

This release is based on the findings of an Ipsos Reid study of 800 Albertans fielded from November 20 to December 2, 2008. The survey of 800 Albertans was conducted via telephone, in proportion to population and has a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points 19 times out of 20.

For more information on this news release, please contact:

Paul Lauzon
SVP, Managing Director
Ipsos Reid West
587-952-4871
[email protected]

About Ipsos Reid

Ipsos Reid is Canada's market intelligence leader, the country's leading provider of public opinion research, and research partner for loyalty and forecasting and modeling insights. With operations in eight cities, Ipsos Reid employs more than 600 research professionals and support staff in Canada. The company has the biggest network of telephone call centres in the country, as well as the largest pre-recruited household and online panels. Ipsos Reid's marketing research and public affairs practices offer the premier suite of research vehicles in Canada, all of which provide clients with actionable and relevant information. Staffed with seasoned research consultants with extensive industry-specific backgrounds, Ipsos Reid offers syndicated information or custom solutions across key sectors of the Canadian economy, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, automotive, retail, and technology & telecommunications. Ipsos Reid is an Ipsos company, a leading global survey-based market research group.

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About Ipsos

Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.

Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999.

In 2008, Ipsos generated global revenues of e979.3 million.

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