Canadian regulator halts Mainline open season
Midstreamer Enbridge’s plans to switch key north-south crude pipeline infrastructure from spot to long-term capacity access takes a hit
The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) in late September ordered Enbridge to prematurely end its two-month open season looking to change its Canadian Mainline crude pipeline system into primarily a firm contract carrier. Despite the setback, Enbridge maintains that it will not change its plan for Mainline. But the reasons given by the CER for taking this unprecedented step—an open season is normal prior to requesting a significant change of contract from a regulator—and vehement opposition by many western Canadian oil producers suggests the company’s plan could ultimately be thwarted. “[T]he commission has concerns regarding the fairness of Enbridge’s open season process and the perception of a
Also in this section
24 December 2025
As activity in the US Gulf has stagnated at a lower level, the government is taking steps to encourage fresh exploration and bolster field development work
23 December 2025
The new government has brought stability and security to the country, with the door now open to international investment
23 December 2025
A third wave of LNG supply is coming, and with it a likely oversupply of the fuel by 2028
22 December 2025
Weakening climate resolve in the developed world and rapidly growing demand in developing countries means peak oil is still a long way away
