BC’s natural gas supply may be limited this winter, reducing your use will help

Enbridge’s response to their ruptured transmission pipeline

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December 12, 2018
12:00 p.m.

The recent natural gas rates announcement has raised some questions among our customers about the reasons behind the increase. The October 9 Enbridge pipeline rupture caused significant disruption to the gas system that serves the Pacific Northwest region, including restricted gas flow into the market and corresponding increases to the market price for available gas supply. As a result of actions taken to secure required natural gas for our customers, FortisBC’s costs for gas storage and transportation have increased. See a sample bill.

Here are five facts to consider:

1. FortisBC is a regulated utility

FortisBC is regulated by the British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC). The BCUC reviews all changes to FortisBC’s customer rates and determines whether changes are necessary. In this case, the BCUC has determined that the Storage and Transport rate on customers’ bills needs to increase on an interim basis to cover these additional costs. 

The BCUC issued an interim decision on rates and it is subject to their approval in the first quarter of 2019. Once approved, the decision may result in a bill adjustment for our customers.  It is difficult to predict what the adjustment may be, but we always strive to deliver natural gas safely and reliably at the lowest reasonable cost to our customers.

2. The majority of the increase is related to the Enbridge pipeline rupture

The majority of the increase lies within the Storage and Transport charges, which reflects the prices we pay to other companies to store and transport gas through their pipelines and infrastructure. And one of the main pipelines that the majority of our gas comes from, owned and operated by Enbridge, was compromised.

The Enbridge pipeline rupture required FortisBC to secure additional natural gas supply to maintain service to customers, increasing Storage and Transport charges. 

FortisBC and the regional gas market as a whole, experienced increased volatility because of the October 9 Enbridge transmission line rupture. Market instability and uncertainty, coupled with supply and demand, are factors that contributed to an interim adjustment to rates.

Learn more about your rates and what components make up your overall bill.

3. FortisBC does not mark up costs or make any money on Storage and Transport charges

We do not mark up Storage and Transport costs, or make any money on this specific charge. You pay what we pay. We operate in a commodity market, which is subject to various unpredictable events happening – weather for example – so volatility exists. The charges are reviewed quarterly and set annually by the BCUC.

4. We are a customer of Enbridge. Their ruptured pipeline that has caused natural gas supply concerns is not owned or operated by FortisBC.

It is important to understand that we are a customer of Enbridge and the pipeline is not owned by FortisBC. While the rupture itself was not our responsibility, ensuring our customers have the natural gas they need is. As Enbridge was unable to supply sufficient volumes of natural gas through their system, we worked to obtain additional supply from other sources to ensure we met our customers’ needs.

5. We appreciate our customers’ conservation efforts and patience

While an increase is never welcome, we continue to focus our efforts to keep costs as low as possible for customers.

One way to lower your bill is to reduce your consumption, the less natural gas you use, the less you pay. For instance, when the weather is milder, you use less natural gas and therefore you may see a decrease to your bill.

We also appreciate the efforts customers are making to reduce their natural gas use. Customer conservation has played a vital role in maintaining the stability of the FortisBC natural gas system so far this winter and can also help reduce your bill. 

BC’s natural gas supply may be limited this winter, reducing your use will help

December 5, 2018
10:45 a.m.

BC’s natural gas supply may continue to be limited this winter due to the rupture of the Enbridge-owned natural gas transmission pipeline on October 9. Although Enbridge has repaired their pipeline, it is operating at a limited capacity, meaning BC’s natural gas system may be challenged during times of peak demand this winter. That’s why we’re asking all customers to continue to reduce their use of natural gas wherever possible. As temperatures across BC drop, it is important to continue to conserve wherever possible. This will help to replenish storage options to help offset the difference in availability later when demand is high on the coldest days of winter.

On November 17, Enbridge announced that the National Energy Board approved an increase to the maximum allowable operating pressure from 80 per cent to 85 per cent. With this increase, FortisBC’s gas supply, when combined with incremental open market purchases and conservation efforts, will be closer to a typical level of supply for this time of year.

While the planned increase is positive news, FortisBC, and the regional gas market as a whole, will still not receive as much gas as it normally expects from the Enbridge transmission system - even at this increased operating pressure. In the event of a prolonged period of colder than average weather, we could find ourselves in a position where demand is outpacing supply. If this imbalance extends over a number of days, it is possible that large-scale industrial and commercial customers would be faced with short-term curtailment. As the province prepares to enter the coldest months of the year, the need to conserve natural gas is still present.

To better inform our customers’ conservation efforts, we have developed a forecast for our website that provides a five day outlook of our expected gas supply along with recommended levels of conservation. The forecast will be updated every Monday and Thursday online and on our social media platforms.

Every molecule of gas conserved can be used elsewhere on our system to keep homes warm and businesses working. Small conservation steps can make a significant impact collectively. Turning down the thermostat a few degrees and reducing the amount of hot water being used are simple ways to reduce natural gas use in the home or workplace.

The conservation measures demonstrated by all our customers to date are much appreciated, and we encourage those continued efforts over the next few months.

November 22, 2018
12:00 p.m.

BC’s natural gas supply may continue to be limited this winter due to the rupture of the Enbridge-owned natural gas transmission pipeline on October 9. Although Enbridge has repaired their pipeline, it is operating at a limited capacity, meaning BC’s natural gas system may be challenged during times of peak demand this winter.

On November 17, Enbridge announced that the National Energy Board approved an increase to the maximum allowable operating pressure from 80 per cent to 85 per cent. With this increase, FortisBC’s gas supply, when combined with incremental open market purchases and conservation efforts, will be closer to a typical level of supply for this time of year.

While the planned increase is positive news, FortisBC, and the regional gas market as a whole, will still not receive as much gas as it normally expects from the Enbridge transmission system - even at this increased operating pressure. In the event of a prolonged period of colder than average weather, we could find ourselves in a position where demand is outpacing supply. If this imbalance extends over a number of days, it is possible that large-scale industrial and commercial customers would be faced with short-term curtailment. As the province prepares to enter the coldest months of the year, the need to conserve natural gas is still present.

That’s why we’re asking all customers to continue to reduce their use of natural gas. Small conservation steps can make a significant impact collectively. Turning down the thermostat a few degrees and reducing the amount of hot water being used are simple ways to reduce natural gas use in the home or workplace.

Small conservation steps can make a significant impact collectively. The conservation measures demonstrated by all our customers to date are much appreciated, and we encourage those continued efforts over the next few months.

Natural gas supply will be limited this winter, please reduce your use

November 15, 2018
11:00 a.m.

While Enbridge plans to increase the flow of natural gas to 80 per cent capacity by the end of the month, we’re still looking at a shortfall of natural gas through the winter.

Roger Dall’Antonia, president and CEO of FortisBC, explains why it remains important for all natural gas customers to conserve.

Until both Enbridge-owned pipelines are back at full operating pressure, FortisBC will have a constrained supply of natural gas and our gas system will be vulnerable during periods of colder weather.

As such, FortisBC is asking all customers to continue to conserve natural gas whenever possible throughout the winter. Small steps such as turning down the thermostat to between 18 – 20 °C when home and awake and no more than 17 °C when out or asleep and reducing hot water use through shorter showers and using cold water for laundry can help save natural gas.

FortisBC is actively working to make more gas available for British Columbians by maximizing output of the Southern Crossing pipeline from Alberta, buying more natural gas supply from the open market, working with industrial customers to improve their energy use and even switching our compressed natural gas-powered vehicles over to gasoline for the winter.

Regular information updates are being planned to provide our customers with the latest information to help guide their conservation choices.

November 6, 2018
5:10 p.m.

Enbridge has completed repairs on its 36-inch natural gas transmission pipeline that had ruptured on October 9 near Prince George. The pipeline is now operating at a reduced capacity of about 55 per cent operating pressure and will gradually ramp up to 80 per cent through November.

Reports of the pipeline repairs have caused some confusion on what this means for FortisBC’s natural gas supply and whether natural gas conservation is still required.

Until both Enbridge-owned pipelines are back at full operating pressure, FortisBC will have a constrained supply of natural gas and our gas system will be vulnerable during periods of colder weather. While bringing Enbridge’s full transmission to 80 per cent will be a positive step, it is not enough natural gas to support the typical winter natural gas consumption of our entire customer base.

As such, FortisBC is asking all customers to continue to conserve natural gas whenever possible throughout the winter. We continue to work to ensure that all of our customers have the natural gas they need this winter by working with industrial customers to optimize their energy use, maximizing the output of the Southern Crossing pipeline from Alberta and securing natural gas supply from the open marketplace to access in times of higher demand. Regular information updates are being planned to provide our customers with the latest information to help guide their conservation choices.

Enbridge Transmission Pipeline Repair Update

October 31, 2018
5:10 p.m.

On the evening of October 31, Enbridge announced the completion of repairs to its 36-inch natural gas transmission pipeline that had ruptured on October 9 near Prince George, BC. Following the repairs, and a comprehensive integrity assessment, Enbridge expects to begin safely returning the repaired segment to service within 48 hours.

It is important to note that, although the 36-inch transmission line is returning to service, it will not be operating at full capacity and natural gas supply in BC will continue to be limited. FortisBC asks all of its customers to continue to conserve natural gas whenever possible.

For more information on the repairs of the Enbridge-owned pipeline, visit Enbridge’s website.

Explaining FortisBC’s natural gas delivery system

October 31, 2018
11:00 a.m.

On October 9, an Enbridge-owned natural gas transmission pipeline ruptured near Prince George, BC. Enbridge expects their pipeline to be returned to service by mid-November. However, their pipeline will be operating at reduced capacity through the winter.

This has an immediate impact on the supply of natural gas for FortisBC customers because almost 75 per cent of FortisBC’s natural gas supply is delivered by Enbridge’s pipelines. FortisBC also has natural gas storage facilities located throughout BC that we are able to access during times of peak demand but they are only able to store a limited supply. That’s why we’re asking all our customers to reduce their natural gas use over the coming months.

The following video explains how the FortisBC natural gas delivery system works and how our customers can help to reduce their use of natural gas this winter.

Watch the video

Natural gas system will be challenged in times of high demand this winter

October 22, 2018
2:05 p.m.

Due to gas supply constraints as a result of Enbridge’s natural gas transmission pipeline rupture, FortisBC customers should know that that our 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.

We are actively working to make more gas available for our customers. For example, we’ve worked 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. We are also working on securing additional natural gas in the open marketplace to best support the province’s gas supply.

We appreciate the efforts that have been made by our customers to conserve natural gas and encourage them to continue to limit their natural gas use wherever possible to ensure all British Columbians are able to access natural gas for essential uses.

Watch our video from Doug Stout, vice president, market development and external relations, for additional information.

Enbridge announces that they expect 36-inch natural gas transmission pipeline to be returned to service by mid-November

October 19, 2018
3:05 p.m.

On the morning of October 19, Enbridge announced that they expect their 36-inch pipeline will be restored to service at about 80 per cent capacity by mid-November. This would bring BC’s total natural gas supply up to between 60 to 80 per cent of our typical supply.

Until the transmission pipeline in repaired and operating at full capacity, we are asking all our customers to continue reducing their use of natural gas. See below for tips on how to reduce your gas use.

We appreciate your ongoing efforts to limit your use of natural gas at this time. FortisBC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. For more information on Enbridge’s response to their transmission pipeline rupture, visit www.enbridge.com.

BC’s natural gas supply is limited: please continue to reduce your use of natural gas

October 16, 2018
9:30 p.m.

As a result of Enbridge’s 36-inch natural gas transmission pipeline rupture on October 9, 2018, BC’s natural gas supply is limited. While the 36-inch pipeline is not in operation, a 30-inch line is running at 80 per cent capacity. This means FortisBC is still receiving gas but at a reduced flow, about only 40 per cent of our normal supply.

Until the transmission pipeline is repaired and operating at full capacity, we are asking customers to reduce their natural gas use. To date, Enbridge has not provided an estimated date of repair. In the meantime, here are some ways you can help reduce the use of gas:

PAET_Conserve-energy_icons_thermostat

Turn down the thermostat

Where possible we’re asking customers to set your thermostat between 18 – 20 °C when home and awake and no more than 17 °C when out or asleep.

NaturalGasFireplace

Natural gas fireplace

Natural gas fireplaces can still be used to efficiently heat the room you’re in. Save energy by turning down the thermostat in the rest of the house and not heating areas that no one is using.

PAET_Conserve-energy_icons_sweater

Put on a sweater

If you're cold, reach for a sweater, socks or blanket instead of turning up the heat.

PAET_Conserve-energy_icons_shower

Take shorter showers

Save hot water by shortening your showers by two minutes.

PAET_Conserve-energy_icons_dishwasher

Dishwasher

Use the energy-saving mode when your dishes are less dirty.

Run your dishwasher only when it's full.

PAET_Conserve-energy_icons_w-dryer

Clothes washer/dryer

Wash laundry in cold water.

Always wash full loads to help save energy.

Use lower heat settings on your natural gas dryer, such as permanent press.

WindowCoverings

Window coverings

On sunny days, take advantage of Mother Nature by opening blinds or curtains to warm up.

PAET_Conserve-energy_icons_room-heat

Heat only the rooms you’re in

Close warm air supply registers in rooms you’re not using. Avoid heating non-insulated spaces such as a garage, crawl space, attic or storage shed.

We appreciate your ongoing efforts to limit your use of natural gas at this time. FortisBC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. For more information on Enbridge’s response to their transmission pipeline rupture, visit www.enbridge.com.

Pipeline rupture site opened for site safety and clean-up planning

October 13, 2018
12:45 p.m.

On the morning of Saturday, October 13, 2018, Enbridge announced that the Transportation Safety Board, which is leading the investigation of the natural gas transmission pipeline rupture, has opened the area for Enbridge to begin site-safety work and begin planning for site clean-up. Planning regarding repair work is underway but there are no set timelines on when that will commence.

The repair of the 36-inch diameter pipeline is a necessary step to fully restore FortisBC’s gas system. While Enbridge’s 30-inch line was returned to service on Wednesday, stabilizing our system, we ask all our customers to continue to conserve natural gas wherever possible and to avoid non-essential uses of natural gas.

FortisBC will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available. For more information on Enbridge’s ongoing response to their transmission pipeline rupture, visit www.enbridge.com.

FortisBC thanks BC for reducing natural gas use and to continue the efforts over the weekend

October 12, 2018
6:35 p.m.

Thank you BC for helping conserve natural gas over the past few days due to the Enbridge transmission pipeline rupture in Prince George. We appreciate the efforts you’ve made to limit your use of natural gas at this time.

Until the situation is resolved, we are asking all our customers to continue avoiding non-essential use of natural gas. Doug Stout, FortisBC VP of market development & external relations, shares what we know heading into the weekend.

Watch the video

Enbridge received approval from the National Energy Board to restart its 30-inch natural gas line, and has restored service at 80 per cent capacity. Bringing this natural gas back on is a positive step to returning our system to normal; however, until the damaged 36-inch gas line is repaired, gas supply will continue to be constrained throughout the province.

Our industrial customers are being brought back onto the system with a reduced amount of natural gas. This process will continue through the weekend and includes large, multi-family high-rises. We are contacting those customers, and their gas marketers, as the curtailment of their natural gas service is lifted.

Industrial curtailed customers – please note curtailment is still in effect until further notice.

FortisBC will continue to closely monitor gas flow, and provide regular updates as the situation progresses. We thank our customers and the community for their patience, and those who have conserved natural gas use during this time.

For updates from Enbridge please visit their website.

FortisBC industrial customers start to come back onto the system with a reduced amount of natural gas

October 12, 2018
8:00 a.m.

As of early October 11, gas started flowing in Enbridge’s 30-inch natural gas line. This line was shut down as a precautionary measure following the October 9, 2018, incident on its 36-inch gas line near Prince George, B.C.

Bringing this natural gas back on is a positive step to returning our system to normal; however, until the damaged 36-inch gas line is repaired, gas supply will continue to be constrained throughout the province.

Some of FortisBC’s industrial customers have had their natural gas service curtailed. On Thursday, October 11, some industrial customers began being brought back onto the system with a reduced amount of natural gas. This process will continue through the weekend and includes large, multi-family high-rises. We are contacting those customers, and their gas marketers, as the curtailment of their natural gas service is lifted.

Industrial curtailed customers – please note curtailment is still in effect until further notice.

We appreciate the efforts of our customers to limit their use of natural gas at this time. FortisBC is receiving a reduced gas flow—approximately 40 per cent of our normal capacity—while Enbridge makes repairs to its system. Until the situation is resolved, we are asking all our customers to continue avoiding non-essential use of natural gas.

Jason Wolfe, Director of Energy Solutions, explains further. 

FortisBC will continue to closely monitor gas flow, and provide regular updates as the situation progresses. We thank our customers and the community for their patience, and those who have conserved natural gas use during this time.

For updates from Enbridge please visit their website.

FortisBC begins bringing industrial customers online following Enbridge pipeline rupture

October 11, 2018
8:15 p.m.

Due to the Enbridge natural gas pipeline rupture, some of FortisBC’s industrial customers have had their natural gas service curtailed. Starting this evening, some industrial customers are being brought back onto the system with a reduced amount of natural gas. This process will continue through the weekend and includes large, multi-family high-rises. We are contacting those customers, and their gas marketers, as the curtailment of their natural gas service is lifted.

We appreciate the efforts of our customers to limit their use of natural gas at this time. FortisBC is receiving a reduced gas flow—approximately 40 per cent of our normal capacity—while Enbridge makes repairs to its system. Until the situation is resolved, we are asking all our customers to continue avoiding non-essential use of natural gas.

FortisBC update to Enbridge natural gas transmission pipeline incident north of Prince George, B.C.

October 11, 2018
12:15 p.m.

As of early October 11, gas is now flowing in Enbridge’s 30-inch natural gas line. This line was shut down as a precautionary measure following the October 9, 2018, incident on its 36-inch gas line near Prince George, B.C.

This means that we will be begin to restore service to our approximately 128 customers in Salmon Valley who had their service disrupted as a result of Enbridge’s gas line shut down. Customers can expect a FortisBC representative to come to their home or business to turn gas back on at the meter and relight all affected appliances.

Bringing this natural gas back on is a positive step to returning our system to normal; however, until the damaged 36-inch gas line is repaired, gas supply will continue to be constrained throughout the province.

We really appreciate the efforts of our customers to limit their use of natural gas at this time. When the system is stable, we’ll work to return our customers who have curtailed their gas use back on line. Until this is complete, we ask our customers to please continue avoiding non-essential use of gas until the situation is completely resolved.

Industrial curtailed customers – please note curtailment is still in effect until further notice.

FortisBC will continue to closely monitor gas flow, and provide regular updates as the situation progresses. We thank our customers and the community for their patience, and those who have conserved natural gas use during this time.

If you smell gas, you need to leave the area and call the FortisBC 24-hour natural gas emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

For updates from Enbridge please visit their website.

FortisBC update to Enbridge natural gas transmission pipeline incident north of Prince George, B.C.

October 11, 2018
8 a.m.

As of early October 11, gas is now flowing in Enbridge’s 30-inch natural gas line. This line was shut down as a precautionary measure following the October 9, 2018, incident on its 36-inch gas line near Prince George, B.C.

This means that we will be begin to restore service to our approximately 128 customers in Salmon Valley who had their service disrupted as a result of Enbridge’s gas line shut down. Customers can expect a FortisBC representative to come to their home or business to turn gas back on at the meter and relight all affected appliances.

Bringing this natural gas back on is a positive step to returning our system to normal; however, until the damaged 36-inch gas line is repaired, gas supply will continue to be constrained throughout the province.

We really appreciate the efforts of our customers to limit their use of natural gas at this time. When the system is stable, we’ll work to return our customers who have curtailed their gas use back on line. Until this is complete, we ask our customers to please continue avoiding non-essential use of gas until the situation is completely resolved.

Doug Stout, FortisBC VP of market development & external relations, explains further.

FortisBC will continue to closely monitor gas flow, and provide regular updates as the situation progresses. We thank our customers and the community for their patience, and those who have conserved natural gas use during this time.

If you smell gas, you need to leave the area and call the FortisBC 24-hour natural gas emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

For updates from Enbridge please visit their website.

FortisBC update to Enbridge natural gas transmission pipeline incident north of Prince George, B.C.

October 11, 2018
4:05 a.m.

As of early October 11, gas is now flowing in Enbridge’s 30-inch natural gas line. This line was shut down as a precautionary measure following the October 9, 2018, incident on its 36-inch gas line near Prince George, B.C.

This means that we will be begin to restore service to our approximately 128 customers in Salmon Valley who had their service disrupted as a result of Enbridge’s gas line shut down. Customers can expect a FortisBC representative to come to their home or business to turn gas back on at the meter and relight all affected appliances.

Bringing this natural gas back on is a positive step to returning our system to normal; however, until the damaged 36-inch gas line is repaired, gas supply will continue to be constrained.

When the system is stable, we will work to return our customers who have curtailed their gas use back on line. Until this is complete, we continue to ask our customers to avoid non-essential use of gas until the situation is completely resolved.

FortisBC will continue to closely monitor gas flow, and provide regular updates as the situation progresses. We appreciate the patience of our customers and the community, and those who have conserved natural gas use during this time.

For updates from Enbridge please visit their website.

FortisBC update to Enbridge natural gas transmission pipeline incident north of Prince George, B.C.

October 10, 2018
11:10 p.m.

This evening FortisBC received notification that Enbridge has NEB approval to restart its 30-inch natural gas line. This line was shut down as a precautionary measure following the October 9, 2018, incident on its 36-inch gas line near Prince George, B.C.

This restart means more natural gas supply will gradually start to flow into FortisBC systems. Bringing this natural gas back on is a positive step to returning our system to normal; however, until the damaged 36-inch gas line is repaired, gas supply will continue to be constrained. 

When the system is stable, we will work to return our customers who have curtailed their gas use back on line. Until this is complete, we continue to ask our customers to avoid non-essential use of gas until the situation is completely resolved.

FortisBC will continue to closely monitor gas flow, and provide regular updates as the situation progresses. We appreciate the patience of our customers and the community, and those who have conserved natural gas use during this time.

For updates from Enbridge please visit their website.

FortisBC asks customers to continue reducing natural gas use following Enbridge pipeline rupture

October 10, 2018
7:53 p.m.

We’re very thankful to our customers who’ve been helping today to reduce their use of natural gas, resulting in a reduction of about 20 per cent province-wide. This means we have more time to keep gas flowing through the system for essential uses.

However, we still need more customers to reduce their natural gas usage as much as possible for now, as we continue to work with Enbridge and confirm the impact on the system. We’re asking all of our natural gas customers across the province to turn off their thermostats and to reduce their use of all other natural gas appliances.

We recognize that in some parts of BC it may be impractical to turn off thermostats due to cold weather. Even turning the temperature down as much as possible and reducing hot water use and other natural gas usage will help. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to maintain service. 

Enbridge continues to respond to the natural gas pipeline rupture near Prince George, B.C. that occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. PST on October 9, 2018. The rupture occurred on an Enbridge natural gas pipeline, causing the natural gas being transported to be ignited. There are no reports of injuries as a result of the incident.

This pipeline was shut down, and an adjacent pipeline was shut down as well as a precaution. These pipelines are the main lines through which natural gas moves into FortisBC’s system, so we’re anticipating decreased energy flow and potential loss of service temporarily.

Although FortisBC’s system is not damaged, we’re working hard to continue providing energy for your homes and businesses. We’re monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates here.

If you smell gas, you need to leave the area and call the FortisBC 24-hour natural gas emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

FortisBC asks customers to continue reducing natural gas use following Enbridge pipeline rupture

October 10, 2018
4:55 p.m.

We’re very thankful to our customers who’ve been helping today to reduce their use of natural gas, resulting in a reduction of about 20 per cent province-wide. This means we have more time to keep gas flowing through the system for essential uses.

However, we still need more customers to reduce their natural gas usage as much as possible for now, as we continue to work with Enbridge and confirm the impact on the system. We’re asking all of our natural gas customers across the province to turn off their thermostats and to reduce their use of all other natural gas appliances.

We recognize that in some parts of BC it may be impractical to turn off thermostats due to cold weather. Even turning the temperature down as much as possible and reducing hot water use and other natural gas usage will help. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to maintain service.

Doug Stout, FortisBC external relations VP, explains further.

Enbridge continues to respond to the natural gas pipeline rupture near Prince George, B.C. that occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. PST on October 9, 2018. The rupture occurred on an Enbridge natural gas pipeline, causing the natural gas being transported to be ignited. There are no reports of injuries as a result of the incident.

This pipeline was shut down, and an adjacent pipeline was shut down as well as a precaution. These pipelines are the main lines through which natural gas moves into FortisBC’s system, so we’re anticipating decreased energy flow and potential loss of service temporarily.

Although FortisBC’s system is not damaged, we’re working hard to continue providing energy for your homes and businesses. We’re monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates here.

If you smell gas, you need to leave the area and call the FortisBC 24-hour natural gas emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

FortisBC asks customers to reduce natural gas use following pipeline incident

October 10, 2018
11:45 a.m.

Enbridge continues to respond to a natural gas pipeline rupture near Prince George, B.C. that occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. PST on October 9, 2018.   The rupture occurred on a natural gas pipeline, causing the natural gas being transported to be ignited. There are no reports of injuries as a result of the incident.

These pipelines are the main lines through which natural gas moves into FortisBC’s system, so we’re anticipating decreased energy flow and potential loss of service temporarily.

FortisBC is asking all of our natural gas customers across the province to turn off their thermostats and to reduce their use of all other natural gas appliances.

We recognize that in some parts of BC it may be impractical to turn off thermostats due to cold weather. Even turning the temperature down as much as possible and reducing other natural gas usage will help. Thank you for your patience and support as we work to maintain service.

Doug Stout, FortisBC external relations VP, explains further.

If you smell gas, you need to leave the area and call the FortisBC 24-hour natural gas emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

Although FortisBC’s system is not damaged, we’re working hard to continue providing energy for your homes and businesses. We’re monitoring the situation and will provide regular updates here.

FortisBC asks customers to reduce natural gas use following pipeline incident

October 10, 2018
9:10 a.m.

There has been an incident with a natural gas transmission pipeline north of Prince George that feeds our system.

As a result of the incident affecting the Enbridge pipeline that feeds our system we are anticipating decreased energy flow and potential loss of service. FortisBC is requesting all of our natural gas customers across the province to turn off their thermostats as well as reduce use of all other natural gas appliances. We appreciate your assistance and patience.

If you smell gas, you need to leave the area and call the FortisBC 24-hour natural gas emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

Although FortisBC’s system is not damaged, we are working hard to continue to provide the energy flow to your homes and businesses. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates.

FortisBC asks customers to reduce natural gas use following pipeline incident

October 10, 2018
3:30 a.m.

There has been an incident with a natural gas transmission pipeline north of Prince George that feeds our system.

As a result of the incident affecting the Enbridge pipeline that feeds our system we are anticipating decreased energy flow and potential loss of service. FortisBC is requesting all of our natural gas customers across the province to turn off their thermostats as well as reduce use of all other natural gas appliances. We appreciate your assistance and patience.

If you smell gas, you need to leave the area and call the FortisBC 24-hour natural gas emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

Although FortisBC’s system is not damaged, we are working hard to continue to provide the energy flow to your homes and businesses. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates.

FortisBC asks customers to reduce natural gas use following pipeline incident

October 10, 2018
12:20 a.m.

There has been an incident with a natural gas transmission pipeline north of Prince George that feeds our system.

FortisBC is asking all customers to avoid non-essential use of gas until the pipeline supply issue in the north is resolved to ensure we are preserving the supply of natural gas. We monitor our system 24-hours a day, 365 days a year and conduct regular leak surveys and inspections to ensure our system is safe. If you smell gas, you need to leave the area and call the FortisBC 24-hour natural gas emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

Saving gas can be as simple as turning down your thermostat or not turning on your fireplace or natural gas BBQ. Although FortisBC’s system is not damaged, we are working hard to continue to provide the energy flow to your homes and businesses. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates.

FortisBC asks customers to reduce natural gas use following pipeline incident

October 9, 2018
11:30 p.m.

There has been an incident with a natural gas transmission pressure pipeline near Prince George that feeds our system.

FortisBC is asking customers to avoid non-essential use of gas until the pipeline supply issue in the north is resolved to ensure we are preserving the supply of natural gas. We monitor our system 24-hours a day, 365 days a year and conduct regular leak surveys and inspections to ensure our system is safe. If you smell gas, you need to leave the area and call the FortisBC 24-hour natural gas emergency line at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.

Saving gas can be as simple as turning down your thermostat or not turning on your fireplace or natural gas BBQ. Although FortisBC’s system is not damaged, we are working hard to continue to provide the energy flow to your homes and businesses. We are monitoring the situation and will provide updates.

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Read the latest FortisBC media statements from October 22, November 2, November 14 and November 22.

Read Enbridge’s response to their ruptured transmission pipeline.

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