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TC Energy urges co-operation on growing network to meet 'generational' gas demand
The company says it has spent $15 billion on expansion in the past decade and has another $1 billion in planned projects.
Days after a leaked Alberta cabinet report raised infrastructure concerns, TC Energy Corp. pledged yesterday to continue investing in NGTL to meet 'generational' gas demand, highlighting $15 billion spent over the last decade and $1 billion in planned projects.
A leaked Alberta cabinet report, first reported by The Narwhal last week, characterized TC Energy's expansion plans as 'misaligned' with provincial demand growth and described the company's dominant position as a 'market failure' leaving key regions unable to access gas.
According to the report, NGTL—operating since 1957 and shipping 15 billion cubic feet daily—faces full capacity until 2029, while the cabinet recommended creating two Crown corporations costing between $53.9 million and $162.6 million to spur new transmission lines.
On her Saturday radio show, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith rejected the Crown corporation proposal as 'unlikely,' citing active private-sector engagement and arguing that boosting gas supply—not government intervention—will prevent higher Albertan energy bills.
Potential court challenges from TC Energy and ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. complicate any legislative path forward, while Opposition NDP leader Naheed Nenshi disputed Smith's price argument Friday, cautioning that Albertans' energy bills remain at risk.