FortisBC is a member of the Northwest Gas Association (NWGA), a trade organization serving the Pacific Northwest natural gas industry. The NWGA is made up of six natural gas utilities and three transmission pipeline companies serving communities throughout Idaho, Oregon, Washington and British Columbia.
In 2010, the NWGA released its regional outlook study, Northwest Gas Outlook: Natural Gas Demand, Supply and Service Capacity in the Pacific Northwest. This report provides a consensus industry perspective on the region’s current and projected natural gas demand, supply, delivery capabilities and prices from 2010 to 2018.
Why is the NWGA’s outlook study important to FortisBC?
The reliability and potential constraints of gas storage facilities, pipelines and other infrastructure that serves the Pacific Northwest are important to FortisBC as we rely on these facilities in order to supply natural gas to our customers.
The NWGA’s outlook study focuses on energy issues affecting the I-5 corridor, the portion of the region served through the Sumas market trading point. This growing region consists of the Lower Mainland of BC and Vancouver Island (since its gas is supplied via the Lower Mainland), plus western Washington and western Oregon.
The NWGA’s analysis indicates the I-5 corridor’s regional system is working to meet demand in normal winter weather conditions; however, the system’s potential future constraints may require action soon.
Infrastructure developers are already pursuing several projects to expand capacity in the Pacific Northwest – but they often require a long time for approvals and construction.
FortisBC is using the NWGA Outlook Study to monitor regional trends, potential supply issues and analyze how they affect our customers and stakeholders. Terasen’s IRP investigates these issues in more detail.
Key findings from the NWGA’s 2010 Outlook Study
Some of the key messages in the NWGA’s outlook study have a direct impact on FortisBC' long-term resource strategy.
- Regional demand for natural gas will continue to grow and change, primarily driven by gas-fired generation and greater numbers of residential customers.
- Regional natural gas pipeline and storage capabilities are adequate to meet present demand but may reach capacity limits in the near future.
- Efficient use of energy, combined with access to both new and existing supplies, is important for keeping future gas prices stable.
- Improved production technologies and market economics have recently spurred unprecedented recoverable natural gas supplies across the continent, including areas that supply the Pacific Northwest.
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