Michelle Mungall, Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, released the following update on the flow of natural gas to communities in British Columbia.

“As we all know, the damage to the Enbridge pipeline near Prince George resulted in reduced natural gas flow to most communities in British Columbia.

“There are two Enbridge-owned pipelines that provide natural gas to British Columbia – a 30-inch in diameter pipeline and a second, 36-inch in diameter line. Both lines were shut down and depressurized as a precaution following the rupture that occurred on the 36-inch line. Both lines provide natural gas to ForstisBC’s delivery system.

“As of today, the good news is Enbridge has successfully restored flow to the 30-inch line at a pressurization rate of 80%, but the other line will be out of service for an unknown period of time. For now, natural gas is flowing in the 30-inch line but below normal capacity.

“It will take some time before repairs can be made to the 36-inch line, so FortisBC is asking customers to continue to avoid non-essential use of natural gas until this supply issue is resolved.

“Thank you to everyone in B.C. who has already limited your natural gas use. Your actions have reduced natural gas use in British Columbia by 20%. As much as possible, please continue to keep your thermostat turned down while limiting your use of natural gas on other appliances.

“We have been in close contact with FortisBC and are working with them to coordinate priority supply to families and communities. The general priority of service will be residential and commercial first, then industrial.

“All employees across the public sector have also been asked to do their part to help mitigate the impact of lower natural gas levels by keeping thermostats turned down in all government buildings heated by natural gas. This request is being extended to the broader public sector as well as schools, hospitals and municipal offices.

“We will continue working with Enbridge and FortisBC to address this situation, and we support the Transportation Safety Board in its investigation into the cause of the incident. We are all thankful no injuries occurred and the situation is showing improvements already.

“I encourage everyone to visit FortisBC’s website for frequent updates.”

Learn More:

FortisBC: www.fortisbc.com

Enbridge updates on the pipeline: http://www.enbridge.com/media-center/media-statements/prince-george-pipeline-incident