Direct Energy Marketing Limited to Purchase Channel Lake Petroleum Ltd.

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10, 1997-- OPTUS (TSE:OPT.IR.) Direct Energy Marketing Limited ("DEML") and Saskatchewan Power Corporation ("SaskPower") announced today that they have entered into an agreement for the purchase by DEML of all of the shares of Channel Lake Petroleum Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SaskPower. Channel Lake Petroleum operates 325 gas wells in ALberta and owns two gas processing plants in the Medicine Hat area where most of the company's net sales gas of 10 MMcf/d is produced.

The sale, which is subject to standard regulatory requirements, is expected to be completed by June 1, 1997. As part of the acquisition, DEML will enter into a natural gas supply management agreement with SaskPower, whereby DEML will be managing all requirements for SaskPower's gas-powered electrical generating facilities. DEML will obtain natural gas from various sources with a preference for Saskatchewan supply.

DEML is a leading marketer of natural gas with 1996 gas sales in excess of $850 million. DEML is a wholly-owned subsidiary of OPTUS Natural Gas Distribution Income Fund. OPTUS is a Toronto Stock Exchange listed income trust (TSE symbol:OPT.IR) currently distributing natural gas to more that 325,000 residential and small business customers in Ontario and Manitoba. The OPTUS Fund has no external debt and a market capitalization of $120 million.

CONTACT: Direct Energy Marketing Limited

Louis R. Dufresne, 403/ 266-6393

or

Direct Energy Marketing Limited

Hugh N. Mcintosh, 403/ 266-6393

or

Direct Energy Marketing Limited

Nino C. Silvestri, 905/ 339-3385