As gas flows back in one of Enbridge's B.C. pipelines, FortisBC still advises keeping thermostats turned off

by Charlie Smith on October 11th, 2018 at 7:01 AM

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This morning, FortisBC cited some progress in addressing the impact of an October 9 pipeline explosion 13.5 kilometres from Prince George.

Natural gas has resumed flowing through a 30-inch line owned by Enbridge, which had been shut down as a "precautionary measure" following the rupture of a 36-inch line.

"This means that we will be begin to restore service to our approximately 128 customers in Salmon Valley who had their service disrupted as a result of Enbridge’s gas line shut down," FortisBC stated on its website. "Customers can expect a FortisBC representative to come to their home or business to turn gas back on at the meter and relight all affected appliances."

Supplies of natural gas will "continue to be constrained", however, as a result of the explosion two days ago.

FortisBC is advising customers to "avoid non-essential use of gas" and turn down thermostats, where appropriate.

UBC responded to the situation by issuing an "urgent community alert" last night. It calls on anyone relying on natural gas for nonessential purposes, such as research, to "take steps immediately to stop that use".

The pipeline rupture could lead to higher gasoline prices in Vancouver, Washington, and Oregon as early as Friday, according to the senior petroleum analyst at GasBuddy.com.

Dan McTeague tweeted that this is because Washington state refineries are "scrambling" for their own fuel sources to replace what's been lost as a result of the Enbridge pipeline explosion.