Canada’s energy regulator (CER) has recommended federal approval of Westcoast Energy’s Sunrise Expansion Program, a natural gas pipeline project in British Columbia designed to increase capacity and support rising demand in western Canada and the US Pacific Northwest (Canada Energy Regulator statement, 30/01/2026)
- The project scope includes the construction of 11 pipeline loops totalling about 139 km, primarily alongside existing rights-of-way, as well as two overhead power lines to supply electricity to new electric compressor units at existing compressor stations. Additional facility upgrades and related modifications are also planned.
- The project, developed by the Canadian energy company Enbridge, will add up to 300 mcf/d (approximately 3.1 bcm/year) of additional natural gas transportation capacity in British Columbia, with a targeted in‑service date in late 2028.
The CER concluded that the project is in the public interest and should receive a certificate authorising construction and operation. With the existing pipeline system located in British Columbia, the planned project activities extend from Chetwynd, BC, to the Canada–US border at Huntingdon/Sumas near Abbotsford. The Sunrise Expansion Program would increase natural gas transportation capacity by approximately 17%, serving current and future demand, including volumes linked to the Woodfibre LNG export facility, which is expected to begin operations in 2027, the regulator added.
The CER’s recommendation report has been submitted to the Government of Canada’s Governor in Council, which will make the final decision on whether to approve the project.