On October 9, 2018, an Enbridge-owned natural gas transmission pipeline ruptured near Prince George, BC.
While the pipeline has been repaired and returned to service, it is important to note that Enbridge plans to operate their transmission system at a reduced capacity for the next few months, starting at about 55 per cent capacity and gradually ramping up to 80 per cent.
While returning Enbridge’s full transmission to 80 per cent will be a positive step, it will not be enough natural gas to support the typical consumption of our customers during the winter.
What does this mean for customers?
Because BC’s natural gas supply will be limited over the coming months, we are asking all our customers, from homeowners and stratas, to businesses and municipal buildings, to continue to focus on conservation measures to help ensure a sufficient supply of natural gas is available for customers through this winter.
If all customers can continue to reduce their use of natural gas where possible now, this will help to replenish storage options to help offset the difference in availability later.
How can you help?
As a valued partner, we are asking you to assist FortisBC in disseminating information to British Columbians through your communication channels and networks. Here are a few avenues:
- Watch our video to hear how the natural gas system works and why it’s important for everyone to reduce their use https://youtu.be/xnNJaDVTIgg
- Provide information to your members by distributing posters, emails and updated information on your website. Web tiles and a poster have been attached for your use.
- Find energy savings tips and keep up-to-date on the situation at fortisbc.com/reduceyouruse
Small steps can make a difference. Here are a few ways small changes can add up (insert stats that apply to audience from below):
Residential
- Turning down the thermostat an additional three degrees when you need heat, can save an average of eight gigajoules of natural gas per year. If 11 households did this simple action it could equal enough natural gas to heat one home for a year. 1
- If each member of a four-person household shortens their daily shower time by two minutes, almost five gigajoules of natural gas will be saved annually. If a community of 100,000 households did the same, it could save enough natural gas to provide space heating for almost 5,000 homes for a year.2
Small business
- If a 23,000 square foot office lowered its thermostat by three degrees during office hours, it would save enough natural gas to provide space heating for one household for a year.3
- If just one per cent of BC’s restaurants (about 140 restaurants) turned off their decorative natural gas fireplaces during the heating season, it could save enough natural gas to heat about 156 homes for a year.4
Commercial
- If a 23,000 square foot office lowered its thermostat during office hours by three degrees, it could save enough natural gas to provide space heating for one household for a year.5
- If just one per cent of BC’s restaurants (about 140 restaurants) turned off their decorative natural gas fireplaces during the heating season, it could save enough natural gas to heat about 156 homes for a year.