The Energy East Pipeline Project involves converting natural gas pipeline capacity in approximately 3,000 km of TransCanada’s existing Canadian Mainline to crude oil service and constructing up to approximately 1,400 km of new pipeline.
Subject to the results of the open season, the project will have the capacity to transport as much as 850,000 bbl/d of crude oil, greatly enhancing producer access to markets in Eastern Canada. In 2012, Canada imported more than 600,000 bbl/d to supply its Eastern refineries. The Energy East Pipeline could eliminate Canada’s reliance on higher priced crude oil currently being imported.
The open season follows a successful expression of interest phase and subsequent discussions with prospective shippers. Following the completion of the open season, if it is successful, TransCanada intends to proceed with the necessary regulatory applications for approvals to construct and operate the required facilities, with a potential in-service date in late-2017. TransCanada is beginning Aboriginal and stakeholder engagement and field work as part of the initial design and planning work for the project.
The open season will begin on 15 April 2013 and will close on 17 June 2013. Interested parties may submit binding bids for transportation capacity of crude oil from western receipt points to delivery points in the Montreal and Quebec City, Quebec. and Saint John, New Brunswick, areas.
Shipper information regarding the open season is available by emailing oil_pipelines@transcanada.com