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