Enbridge’s Sunrise Gas Expansion Recommended for Approval by CER
Canada’s energy regulator has recommended approval of Westcoast Energy’s Sunrise Expansion, a British Columbia pipeline project designed to add 300 million cubic feet per day of capacity and support growing regional and LNG-driven gas demand.
(P&GJ) — The Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator (CER) has recommended approval of Westcoast Energy’s Sunrise Expansion Program, a proposed natural gas pipeline expansion in British Columbia that would increase system capacity by about 17% to meet growing demand in the Lower Mainland and the U.S. Pacific Northwest.
The project, owned by Westcoast Energy Limited Partnership, an Enbridge affiliate, would add up to 300 MMcf/d of incremental transportation capacity to the southern portion of the Westcoast Pipeline system, known as T-South. The targeted in-service date is late 2028.
The expansion includes approximately 139 kilometers (about 86 miles) of 42-inch pipeline looping installed largely along existing rights-of-way between Chetwynd, B.C., and the Canada–U.S. border at Huntingdon/Sumas near Abbotsford. The project also calls for new electric-driven compression at four existing compressor stations and about 10 kilometers (6 miles) of overhead transmission lines to power those units.
The additional capacity is intended to serve both existing customers and new demand, including supply associated with the Woodfibre LNG export facility, which is expected to begin operations in 2027.
After a nearly 15-month hearing process, the Commission concluded the project is necessary, economically feasible and can be constructed and operated safely under federal standards. The full panel unanimously agreed the project is in the public interest.
The CER recommended 47 conditions covering construction, environmental protection, safety oversight and Indigenous participation that Westcoast must meet throughout the project lifecycle.
Westcoast submitted its application in May 2024 following a 2022 open season that generated requests for additional capacity. The regulator formally initiated a public hearing in July 2024.
According to the CER, 63 intervenors participated in the review, including 40 Indigenous communities and organizations. The Commission reviewed written submissions, Indigenous-led assessments, more than 60 hours of oral Indigenous knowledge, Crown consultation reports and three days of oral arguments before issuing its recommendation.
The regulator offered C$6.78 million in participant funding to Indigenous communities to support their involvement in the hearing and consultation processes.
The Recommendation Report has been submitted to Canada’s Governor in Council, which will make the final determination on whether to issue a certificate under Section 186 of the CER Act.
If approved, the Sunrise Expansion would reinforce the Westcoast Pipeline system, which transports natural gas throughout British Columbia, Alberta and the U.S. Pacific Northwest, serving residential, commercial, industrial and power generation markets.