The consequences of a natural gas pipeline rupture in October will still be felt by FortisBC
customers this winter.
On October 9th, the Enbridge pipeline experienced a rupture, impacting the services of over one million customers in the province.
After the pipeline was damaged, the natural gas company was quick to make repairs, and asked consumers to reduce their energy consumption.
Fortis reports that consumption did drop by roughly 20 percent, however, the beginning of colder winter weather has prompted another call for reduced usage.
“With temperatures dropping, more furnaces across the province are firing up more frequently,” said Roger Dall’Antonia, president and CEO of Fortis B.C. in a press release on Wednesday.
“While we’ve made strides in improving the gas supply, given the current Enbridge delivery capacity, we simply don’t have access to enough natural gas to accommodate typical winter natural gas demand at this time.”
Despite the repairs made on the Enbridge pipeline, the system is only operating at 55% of its normal capacity, meaning that Fortis would have difficulty meeting the province’s demand if temperatures dip below average during the winter.
If demand can’t be met, natural gas that is usually kept in storage for the coldest days of December and January will have to be used. In the worst case scenario, services could be lost in the province.
To help compensate for the lost pipeline capacity, FortisBC is maximizing gas flow through its Southern Crossing pipeline from Alberta, purchasing natural gas from the open market, and switching its fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG) capable vehicles back to gasoline during the shortage.
For tips on how to reduce natural gas usage, Fortis recommends keeping the thermostat below 20 degrees, taking shorter showers, and using cold water for laundry.
“At current pipeline capacity, our gas supply may be vulnerable. Any sort of extended period of colder weather could lead to loss of service for major industrial or commercial customers, or even large residential complexes,” said Dall’Antonia.
“We need consistent and meaningful conservation across the province as every molecule conserved is gas that can be used to keep homes warm and businesses operating.”
