Enbridge strongly supports…

Enbridge strongly supports the Government’s efforts to streamline the OEB requirements for LTC on small natural gas pipeline projects, particularly enabling a streamlined exemption application route for projects between $2 million to $10 million while maintaining Indigenous consultation and environmental review standards, which is a crucial step to help achieve the Government’s objectives of accelerating the construction of 1.5 million homes and addressing affordability challenges in Ontario.

Additionally, the proposed regulations will facilitate economic development in Ontario. Many companies seeking to locate in Ontario, drawn here by the Government’s Driving Prosperity Strategy and the Government’s goals to create jobs and opportunities, require significant amounts of all forms of energy. Providing an exemption application option will help get energy infrastructure built faster – many of these companies require immediate or short-term access to significant quantities of energy. Timely energy access is often the deciding factor between whether thousands of jobs stay in Ontario or go to another jurisdiction.

While generally supportive of the proposed regulations, Enbridge recommends expanding the availability of the LTC exemption application to encompass all eligible pipeline projects costing between $2 million and $10 million, regardless of whether other LTC criteria are met, to more effectively reduce regulatory burdens and associated costs. These adjustments are expected to have wide-ranging benefits, supporting customers, transit initiatives, community expansions, and housing projects, while maintaining Indigenous consultation and environmental review standards.
Considering Enbridge’s recommendation along with the proposed regulations will expedite infrastructure development, ensuring timely and cost-effective critical project execution, including transit expansions and housing developments, which aligns with Ontario’s economic growth objectives.

Recommendations:
• LTC exemption application option should be made available to all pipeline projects costing between $2 million and $10 million that would otherwise require LTC, regardless of whether the other s. 90(1) LTC criteria are triggered.

Attached is Enbridge’s more specific feedback on the proposed regulations.