NEB: North Montney Pipeline construction start extended to 2017

Canada’s National Energy Board extended the clause date for the North Montney Pipeline project to June 10, 2017. 

According to the initial clause, called ‘sunset clause’, the construction was to begin by June 10, 2016, a statement by the government’s office said.

TransCanada’s unit, NOVA Gas Transmission filed an application in March, seeking the extension of the construction start date.

The North Montney pipeline project is planned to tie into the proposed Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline that will transport natural gas to the Petronas-led Pacific NorthWest LNG project in Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

The proposed LNG project is currently under review by the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

In its request, NGTL said that it cannot start the construction of the pipeline until the financial investment decision is for the Pacific NorthWest LNG project.

The National Energy Board released a letter to the proponents of the project, noting that the North Montney Pipeline remains in the public interest. The date change, however, is subject to approval by Governor in Council.