Canada’s Pipeline Transportation System 2016

Express Pipeline Limited Partnership’s Express Pipeline

Table 9.1.1: Express Pipeline Limited Partnership’s Express Pipeline

Commodity and NEB Group	Crude Oil (Group 2)
Average Operating capacity	44 500 m³/d (280 Mb/d)
Average utilization 2015	78%
Primary receipt points	Hardisty, AB
Primary delivery points	Casper, WY
Net-book value of PP&E 2014	$148 million
Abandonment Cost Estimate and Collection PeriodNote a	$44.3 million; 40 years

Overview

The Express Pipeline (Express) transports light, medium, and heavy crude oil from western Canada to refiners in the U.S. Rockies region. At Casper, WY Express connects with the Platte Pipeline, which transports crude oil to refineries in Kansas and Illinois. Express Pipeline Limited Partnership owns and operates the Canadian portion of Express, and is regulated by the NEB. The U.S. portion is owned and operated by Express Pipeline LLC and is regulated by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

Source: NEB

Text version of this map

This map provides an overview of the Express Pipeline System.

Key Developments

In March 2013, Spectra Energy Corp. (Spectra) acquired Express-Platte Pipeline System for $1.49 billion from a partnership of Kinder Morgan, Borealis Infrastructure and the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan.

Through a 2013 open season, contracted commitments on Express were increased from 18 900 m³/d (119 Mb/d) to 35 800 m³/d (225 Mb/d). These contracts cover 80% of the design capacity and have an average term of approximately ten years.

In May 2015, FERC approved an expansion of Express U.S. pipeline capacity from 39 700 m³/d (250 Mb/b) to 43 100 m³/d (271 Mb/d). The target in-service-date for the expansion is Q4 2016.

Utilization

Figure 9.1.1 illustrates throughput and capacity on Express. Throughput averaged about 31 000 m³/d (196 Mb/d) in 2014. In 2015, throughput averaged 34 700 m³/d (219 Mb/d).

Figure 9.1.1: Express Throughput vs. Capacity

Sources: Express, NEB

Tolls

Figure 9.1.2 shows that the Express benchmark toll (uncommitted toll for Light Petroleum from Hardisty to the U.S. border) moved roughly in-line with the GDP deflator (normalized) between 2010-15. Express’ tolls are regulated on a complaint basis.

Figure 9.1.2: Express Benchmark Toll

Source: NEB

Financial

Increased utilization rates and continued depreciation of debt have led to higher revenues and stronger coverage ratios. Credit ratings remain investment grade. After Spectra purchased Express in 2013, $203 million of goodwill was removed from its balance sheet, which is reflected in the partners’ equity.

Date modified:

2022-01-28