diff --git a/apt/templates/sources.list.erb b/apt/templates/sources.list.erb
index 7d643bf..98e3fda 100644
--- a/apt/templates/sources.list.erb
+++ b/apt/templates/sources.list.erb
@@ -34,8 +34,13 @@ deb-src <%= apt_archive_url %> <%= lsbdistcodename %>-updates multiverse
 ## newer versions of some applications which may provide useful features.
 ## Also, please note that software in backports WILL NOT receive any review
 ## or updates from the Ubuntu security team.
+<% if has_variable?("apt_backports") -%>
+deb <%= apt_archive_url %> <%= lsbdistcodename %>-backports main restricted universe multiverse
+deb-src <%= apt_archive_url %> <%= lsbdistcodename %>-backports main restricted universe multiverse
+<% else -%>
 # deb <%= apt_archive_url %> <%= lsbdistcodename %>-backports main restricted universe multiverse
 # deb-src <%= apt_archive_url %> <%= lsbdistcodename %>-backports main restricted universe multiverse
+<% end -%>
 
 ## Uncomment the following two lines to add software from Canonical's
 ## 'partner' repository.