The application is for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN), and related approvals to recognize that the system is within Canadian federal jurisdiction.
The provincial regulation of the Alberta System precludes TransCanada from acquiring, constructing or operating facilities that transport gas across Alberta provincial borders.
Federal regulation would enable the system to extend across provincial borders, thereby providing integrated service to customers who want to transport gas from locations outside Alberta, and allowing for attractive service offerings to Alberta, British Columbia and northern gas producers.
Increased throughput associated with production from outside locations will benefit Alberta by increasing the physical and commercial flow of gas within and from the Alberta Hub, making it a more transparent and liquid environment for natural gas buyers and sellers, and by increasing natural gas liquids supply to straddle plants and petrochemical infrastructure located in the province.
Hal Kvisle, president and CEO, said: Changing to federal jurisdiction will enhance the Alberta System’s ability to provide integrated service and more competitive transportation rates to natural gas customers outside of Alberta. The ability to attract gas produced in British Columbia, the Northern Territories and Alaska is important as it will enhance the competitiveness of the system.
