Dear editor,
As one of B.C.’s regulated natural gas utilities, FortisBC has a duty to investigate service connections whenever a potential customer contacts us. That includes industrial customers such as Woodfibre LNG.
I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify some incorrect statements about our proposed Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre gas pipeline project raised in Anton van Walraven’s letter “Even More Concerned Citizens” (April 24).
B.C. natural gas is a safe and reliable energy source, which is why it’s a sought after energy choice in our province, Canada and other parts of the world. It’s important for people to remember that the natural gas that flows through our natural gas systems is used by more than 960,000 customers in B.C. for hot water, space heating and to cook their food.
The natural gas that Woodfibre LNG would liquify is the same gas being distributed to homes and businesses throughout FortisBC’s service territory, including the Sunshine Coast and Squamish.
The Woodfibre industrial site is serviced by our Vancouver Island transmission system – an integrated system that provides service to homes and businesses in Squamish, Whistler, Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island. Our proposed expansion would involve adding about 47 kilometres of new pipe to that system, beginning north of the Coquitlam watershed and ending at Woodfibre.
The flow of natural gas through our systems is based on a number of factors. Our proposal could not accommodate the flow of gas van Walraven incorrectly suggests. The size of pipe we’re proposing to use in this expansion allows us to provide the service Woodfibre has requested while maintaining stable service to our existing customers that also receive their natural gas from the Vancouver Island system.
We’re committed to building energy solutions for B.C. For more information on our Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre gas pipeline project, I encourage people to visit fortisbc.com/egp or contact us at 1-855-380-5784.
Doug Stout,
Vice President, Market Development & External Relations FortisBC
