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ENERGY USE
OUR IMPACTS
Our liquids pipeline transportation systems in Canada and the United
States primarily use electrical pumps, while our natural gas gathering
and transmission systems mainly use natural gas as fuel. Our Enbridge
Gas Distribution system in Ontario is powered by electricity and
natural gas. Diesel fuel and natural gas are used to drive pumps in
remote locations along the Enbridge Norman Wells (NW) system in
the Northwest Territories.
OUR PERFORMANCE
Increased use of electricity in Liquids Pipelines
In 2004, electricity use on the Liquids Pipelines system was
2,970 gigawatt hours (10,692 thousand gigajoules), enough power
to supply 262,000 homes. Energy use on the system was 17% higher
than 2003 levels because of increased throughput on the system.
Optimizing natural flow rates for pipelines
We continually review natural flow rates for our liquids pipelines, as
products on our pipelines and power contracts change. The rates are
designed to optimize pipeline operating pressures to match equipment
and the types of crude oil transported. In 2004, with completion
of phase III of the Terrace Expansion Project from Edmonton to
Superior, Wisconsin, we redesigned natural flow rates so as to pump
more heavy oil in response to shippers' needs. We also applied natural
flow rates to the Norman Wells pipeline system. By applying these
rates to the pipeline, we expect to lower the high costs of fuel and
reduce maintenance.
Adding renewable energy to our energy mix
We are diversifying fuel use in our Liquids Pipelines systems to include
renewable energy. In 2004, we signed a 20-year agreement to purchase
one-third of the power output of the 30 MW Magrath wind power
project. This will be enough to supply 13% of Enbridge's total Alberta
pipeline electricity requirements.
Managing energy use in Enbridge Gas Distribution
In Enbridge Gas Distribution, we carry out a comprehensive energy
management program to minimize electricity use. We build energy
efficiency into our various facilities by improving lighting, heating,
information technology, and ventilation and cooling systems. At
Enbridge Gas Distribution's Toronto headquarters, these efforts have
continually lowered our energy consumption despite intensifying our
use of building space. In 2004, we replaced overhead lighting, added
energy efficient computer equipment and completed other projects
that delivered over 500 kilowatt hours in energy savings. As compared
with 1990, these and other efforts to date have reduced the building's
energy consumption by 40% and saved $400,000 in 2004 annual
electricity costs.
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