The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) has received an application from Westcoast Energy Inc. (Westcoast) for approval to construct and operate the Sunrise Expansion Program (Project) pursuant to sections 182, 214, 97, and 226 of the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (CER Act). This Project involves building approximately 137 kilometres (km) of 42-inch diameter natural gas pipeline in 11 pipeline looping segments in British Columbia, extending southwest from Chetwynd to the Canada-United States border near Sumas. The Project also involves work at existing compressor stations and a meter station, as well as the construction of approximately 34 km of power lines.
Westcoast also seeks various exemptions under the CER Act and the Canadian Energy Regulator Onshore Pipeline Regulations, and further seeks an order affirming that the Project’s costs will be included in the T-South cost of service and tolled on a rolled-in basis. Westcoast intends to start construction as early as the second quarter of 2026, subject to receiving regulatory approval. Its target in-service date is 1 November 2028.
Hearing Participation
The Commission of the CER is currently assessing whether Westcoast’s application is complete, having regard to comments received on this issue. It will hold a hearing for the Project if the application is found to be complete, such that it can proceed to assessment. Those participating in any hearing can do so in one of two ways:
• A commenter may share their views with the Commission in a letter of comment. They cannot be asked questions about their letter of comment, nor can they ask questions about Westcoast’s or intervenors’ written evidence or provide argument. Commenters are not eligible for participant funding.
• An intervenor may, among other things, file written evidence, ask questions about Westcoast’s and other intervenors’ evidence, and provide argument in accordance with a
hearing timeline. An intervenor that files written evidence must answer any questions asked about their evidence. Intervenors may be eligible for participant funding (learn more at http://www.cer-rec.gc.ca/pfp).
Those wanting to be intervenors must register and be confirmed as intervenors by the Commission. Commenters may sign up to be notified by email when the commenting period opens. Registrations and sign ups must be done through the CER’s online Participation Portal found at http://www.cerrec.gc.ca/participate. Registration and sign-up opportunities will be available from 1 August 2024 until 29 August 2024.
Need Help?
1-800-899-1265
For detailed Project mapping, please refer to: www.enbridge.com/sunrise