Enbridge may extend pipeline deal after regulator rejects proposal

Enbridge Inc. plans to explore several alternatives, including the extension of its previous commercial agreement, for its Mainline pipeline network after Canada’s top energy regulator rejected the company’s proposal to use long-term contracts.

The Calgary-based company will explore with stakeholders a modified version of Competitive Tolling Settlement, as the most recent commercial framework that expired in June is known, according to a statement Sunday.

The Canada Energy Regulator, or CER, ruled Nov. 26 that “the package of tolls, terms and conditions in the service offering would result in a distribution of benefits and negative impacts that is uneven and disproportionate.” The decision dealt a blow to North America’s largest pipeline company.