Canadian Energy Pipeline Association Releases its 2015 Pipeline Industry Performance Report

The Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA) has recently published its Industry Performance Report. CEPA represents Canada's transmission companies who collectively operate approximately 117,000 kilometres of pipeline in Canada and move approximately 1.2 billion barrels of liquid petroleum products and about 5.3 trillion cubic feet of natural gas annually. They transport 97% of natural gas and onshore crude oil production to North American markets.

The key indicators which were measured include safety record, pipeline incidents, prevention and emergency preparedness and employee health and safety. According to the report, the performance across the industry is good. For example, the member companies delivered products with a 99.999% safety record, while still working towards zero incidents across the board. The report outlines the prevention tools employed by the transmission companies, such as investments in maintaining and monitoring pipeline systems and technology, execution of integrity digs and emergency response exercises.

The report distinguishes between higher risk incidents, defined as significant incidents, and more minor ones, such as small pinhole leaks. It shows that Canadian companies compare favourably with U.S. companies from 2010 to 2014, in the delivery of both natural gas and liquids. Member companies have shared information with respect to incidents, response steps taken and lessons learned.

The report can be found on the CEPA website, www.cepa.com, and makes for an interesting read.