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Large industrial gas users have an option to negotiate favourable rates in exchange for certain commitments such as the option to curtail. An interruptible gas delivery service contract allows gas flow to be interrupted at the option of the utility during periods of peak demand. If you are on an interruptible (non-firm) delivery contract in Ontario, there is always a chance you will get a call instructing you to shut off gas to your facility between December 1st and March 31st. Rate 145, Rate 170 on Enbridge and Rate M5A on Union Gas. Curtailment periods don’t usually happen often (last winter there were 2) however extreme weather conditions do increase the number of curtailment days. During the winter of 2013/14, there were 21 curtailment days. An alternative to turning gas off at your facility is to purchase gas (i.e. Curtailment Delivery Supply – CDS) from an energy supplier such as Go Energy. To be properly prepared make sure you are on all the appropriate notification lists and contact Go Energy to review your options.
Natural Gas Demand Increasing In The Alberta Oil Sands Delivery Area
Up to 25% of natural gas produced in Alberta goes into the oil sands extraction process. A dramatic increase in natural gas demand for the oil sands in Alberta has kept prices at Aeco, Alberta strong. The last week of October gas demand to the oil sands region were the strongest since 2011 and have stayed strong into November. This has also contributed to a 20% decrease in natural gas exports to the US.
