Due to gas supply constraints as a result of Enbridge’s natural gas transmission pipeline rupture north of Prince George earlier this month, FortisBC customers should know that that the regional natural gas supply, including the entire province, will be limited to 50 to 80 per cent of normal levels.
This means that the natural gas system will be challenged in times of high demand throughout the winter. As such, FortisBC is asking all of its customers to be conscious of their natural gas use and conserve energy wherever possible.
On Friday, October 19, Enbridge released a statement announcing that they expect their ruptured 36-inch natural gas transmission line to be repaired and in service by mid-November. However, both the 36- and 30-inch transmission lines will only be running at 80 per cent capacity and are not expected to return to maximum operating pressure throughout the winter.
FortisBC is actively working to make more gas available for our customers. They are working with TransCanada to maximize output of the Southern Crossing pipeline that feeds into the Interior from Alberta and are actively working with industrial customers to optimize their energy use – keeping them running while minimizing system impacts. It is also working on securing additional natural gas in the open marketplace to best support the province’s gas supply.
