Southern Lights
Description
Section updated: October 2024
Disclaimer
The Pipeline Profiles interactive maps provide publicly accessible information about CER-regulated pipeline systems. These maps provide information about the pipeline systems we regulate and allow the user to zoom in and view nearby communities and other geographic features.
The information displayed on this map is not meant to be comprehensive, and some datasets have been filtered to show only the most relevant information. Please see the Interactive Pipeline Map to see a more comprehensive picture of CER-regulated pipelines.
This information is also not intended for locating pipelines for construction activities or any other soil disturbance in the area around a pipeline. Please check our Damage Prevention Website for information on where to Click Before you Dig.
Terms of Use
The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) provides this information for personal and non-commercial uses. The information contained in this map is based on externally sourced information. The CER makes no representations regarding the accuracy of this information. The CER accepts no responsibility or liability for inaccuracies, errors or omissions in the data and any loss, damage or costs incurred as a result of using or relying on the map data in any way.
The pipeline data contained in this map is subject to licensing terms and may not be reproduced, published, distributed or transferred in whole or in part. The map also contains information license under the Open Government License - Canada.
The Canadian Energy Regulator is bound by the Official Language Act and relevant Treasury Board policies. However, some material on these pages originates from organizations not subject to the Official Languages Act and is made available on this project page in the language in which it was written.
Sources and Description
Sources
The information contained in these maps is obtained from the following sources: Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) (Provincially Regulated Pipelines), CER, from various reports (Oil Sands Area); U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) (U.S. Pipelines); Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI) (The Community Map of Canada); Geomatics Data Management Inc. (GDM) (CER-regulated pipelines); Government of Canada: Natural Resources Canada, and Surveyor General Branch (Indigenous Lands); Government of Canada: Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (Modern and Historic Treaties).
Description
This map shows the Southern Lights pipeline as well as CER-regulated liquids pipelines, and U.S. petroleum product pipelines and provincially regulated hydrocarbon diluent pipelines in Alberta.
History
- In 2007, Enbridge applied to the National Energy Board (NEB) for approval of the Southern Lights pipeline project. The NEB approved the project in 2008 [Folder 456607]. The Southern Lights pipeline entered service in 2010.
- Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment information for this application is available through an online search tool called BERDI (Biophysical Socio-Economic Regional Data and Information).
- The Southern Lights pipeline (also known as Line 13) transports diluent from Manhattan, Illinois, to Enbridge’s Edmonton Terminal near Edmonton, Alberta.
- The pipeline can transport approximately 180,000 barrels of diluent per day.
System Description
- The Southern Lights pipeline is made up of about 2,560 km of 16-to-20-inch diameter pipe. In Canada, the pipeline shares a right-of-way with the Enbridge Canadian Mainline.
- The pipeline was built by reversing the former southbound Enbridge Line 13 crude oil pipeline, and constructing 1,084 km of new pipeline in the U.S.
- The Southern Lights pipeline is one of two pipelines that import diluent from the U.S. to supply Alberta’s oilsands (the other is the Cochin pipeline).
- Diluent is any lighter hydrocarbon that is blended with bitumen or heavy crude oil to decrease its viscosity (thickness) for transport in pipelines or rail cars.
- In Edmonton, the Southern Lights pipeline is directly connected to several provincially regulated pipelines that carry diluent throughout the area. It is also directly connected to the Enbridge Mainline in both Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Reconciliation Content
- We recognize that all lands are the traditional and/or treaty territories of Indigenous Peoples, however, in this data set, only treaty lands are represented due to data availability.
- For more information about how the traditional territories of Indigenous Peoples in a region are defined, it is best to consult First Nation and Metis governments directly.
- For more information about traditional territories and potential or established treaty rights, you may also consult the Aboriginal and Treaty Rights Information System.
Details
Section updated: October 2024
| Pipeline ownership | |
|---|---|
| Pipeline name | Southern Lights pipeline |
| CER-regulated company | Enbridge Southern Lights GP Inc. on behalf of Enbridge Southern Lights LP |
| Parent company | Enbridge Inc. |
| Pipeline attributes | |
| Group for financial regulationFootnote 1 | Group 2 |
| Commenced operations | 2010 |
| Location | The Southern Lights pipeline extends from the Manitoba/U.S. border, across Saskatchewan, to Edmonton, Alberta. |
| CER-regulated pipeline length (km)Footnote 2 | 1,531 km |
| Transported commodity | Diluent for blending bitumen and heavy oil |
| Pipeline capacity | Approximately 180 thousand barrels per day (Mb/d) |
| Major interconnected pipelines | Southern Lights pipeline (U.S. section) |
References
Section updated: April 2025
Company:
CER:
- Regulatory documents for Southern Lights pipeline facility applications: [Folder 441806]
- Regulatory documents for Southern Lights pipeline toll & tariff applications: [Folder 613825]
Data sets on Open Government:
Use
Throughput and capacity
Section updated: March 2025
Throughput and capacity
Key Point Trends
Key Point Description
Note: The physical capacity of a pipeline is based on many factors such as the products being carried, direction of flow, pipeline pumping capacity, and maintenance work or other pressure restrictions. The actual physical capacity of the pipeline may, at times, be higher than the assumed operational capacity stated here.
Dashboard instructions
- Click on a key point button above the chart & map to view traffic at a different location. The map shows approximate locations on the pipeline where throughputs & capacity are recorded by the pipeline operator.
- Click and drag your mouse on the area chart to zoom into the desired date range. Click on the Reset Zoom button to reset the full date range.
- Click on the chart legend items below the chart to remove & add sections of data as required.
- The key point trends are calculated using quarterly average traffic at the key point. Natural gas throughput trends are displayed year over year (last full quarter of data compared to the same quarter last year). Crude oil and liquids key point trends are displayed quarter over quarter (last full quarter of data compared to the previous quarter).
Note: The five-year average is calculated for natural gas key points using the total throughput across all trade types and direction of flows. For bi-directional key points (both export and import) the throughput is displayed for both directions, instead of the five-year average.
Looking for daily data? Daily natural gas traffic datasets are available on Open Government.
Source and description
Data Source: Open Government
Description: The above dashboard displays pipeline throughput and capacity at key point(s) along the system. Where possible, the five-year average and five-year range for throughput is shown with the current year throughput to better highlight the trends. For pipeline key points with a defined location, a map is displayed next to the graph showing the approximate key point location where pipeline throughput and capacity are recorded.
Open data can be freely used and shared by anyone for any purpose. The data for these graphs are available.
Throughput data comes from Quarterly Diluent Volumes filings which are filed annually and can be found here: Southern Lights Certificate and Compliance filings [Folder 502640].
Markets
Section updated: October 2024
Markets
The Southern Lights pipeline (also known as Line 13) is one of two pipelines that import diluent from the U.S. to supply Alberta's oilsands (the other is the Cochin pipeline). It transports diluent from Manhattan, Illinois to Edmonton, Alberta, where it is used in blending with bitumen and heavy oil.
In Edmonton, the Southern Lights pipeline is directly connected to several provincially regulated pipelines that carry diluent throughout the area. It is also directly connected to the Enbridge Mainline in both Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Transportation costs (tolls)
Section updated: March 2025
A toll is the price charged by a pipeline company for transportation and other services. Tolls allow pipeline companies to safely operate and maintain pipelines. Tolls also provide funds for companies to recover capital (the money used to build the pipeline), pay debts, and provide a return to investors. The interactive graph below shows the tolls on the pipeline since 2012.
Southern Lights pipeline tolls are established on a cost of service basis. Committed tolls are available to shippers that signed 15-year contracts, which expire in 2025. Uncommitted tolls are twice the level of committed tolls, but do not have a long-term contract requirement.
Enbridge Southern Lights is subject to Group 2 financial regulation. Accordingly, the tolls are regulated by the CER on a complaint basis.
Official CER documents related to the traffic, tolls and tariffs for the Southern Lights Pipeline can be found here: Enbridge Southern Lights toll documents [Folder 613825].
Data Source and Description
Data Source: Open Government
Description: The above chart displays tolls data for the pipeline system.
Abandonment funding
Section updated: October 2024
The CER requires all pipeline companies to set aside funds to safely cease operation of their pipelines at the end of their useful lives. In 2013, ESL estimated it would cost $100.8 million to do this for the Southern Lights Pipeline. In 2018, it revised this estimate to $178 million. In 2024, this number was revised to $262 million. These funds are being collected and set aside in a trust. Collection period end date is December 31, 2054.
Official CER documents related to abandonment funding can be found here, sorted by year and by company: abandonment funding documents [Folder 3300366]. Financial information
Financial resource requirements Section updated: April 2025
The Canadian Energy Regulator Act requires oil pipeline companies to set aside funds to pay for the costs of any incident that occurs, such as a spill. See sections 136 to 142 of the Act for more information. Enbridge Southern Lights has demonstrated that it has financial resources in excess of $300 million dollars. Official CER documents can be found here: Enbridge Southern Lights financial resource requirements documents [Folder 2985134]. Pipeline financial information Section updated: October 2024
Pipeline companies report important financial information to the CER quarterly or annually. A solid financial position enables companies to maintain their pipeline systems, attract capital to build new infrastructure, and meet the market’s evolving needs. The data in this table comes from ESL’ Audited Financial Statements [Folder 614002]. The financial information presented in Table 2 reflects regulatory information prepared by each CER-regulated pipeline company and filed quarterly or annually with the CER. This information is filed to inform shippers, the CER and other interested parties on pipeline revenues and expenses and is used in monitoring pipeline transportation costs. Methodologies used in the preparation of this financial information may reflect regulatory decisions and guidance and unique negotiated agreements between a pipeline company and its shippers and interested parties. These methodologies, and the resulting financial information presented, may not follow established accounting principles used in other corporate reporting, and may not be comparable between different CER-regulated companies. For more information, please see the regulatory documents in CER’s REGDOCS and any associated notes contained within them. Corporate financial information Section updated: October 2024
ESL is a subsidiary of Enbridge Inc. (Enbridge). Enbridge is an energy transportation, distribution, and renewable power generation company. Enbridge assets include crude oil, natural gas and natural gas liquids pipelines, renewable power generation, as well natural gas distribution utilities in British Columbia, Ontario, and New Brunswick. The company is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. In February 2017, Enbridge acquired Spectra Energy Corp. Credit ratings provide an idea of the financial strength of a company, including its ability to attract capital to build new infrastructure and meet financial obligations. The credit ratings below are expert opinions of how likely the debt issuer is to live up to its obligations. Safety and environment Section updated: November 2024
Section updated quarterly (early March, mid-May, mid-August and mid-November) Conditions compliance Section updated: November 2024
Every pipeline company in Canada must meet federal, provincial or territorial, and local requirements. This includes Acts, Regulations, rules, bylaws, and zoning restrictions. Pipelines are also bound by technical, safety, and environmental standards along with company rules, protocols and management systems. In addition to these requirements, the Commission may add conditions to regulatory instruments that each company must meet. Conditions are project-specific and are designed to protect public and the environment by reducing possible risks identified during the application process. Condition compliance is part of the CER's oversight and enforcement action is taken when required. Conditions can be related to a specific region, or apply to the pipeline project as a whole. The map below displays the number of in progress and closed conditions mapped to economic regions as defined by Statistics Canada. Conditions can typically be either in-progress or closed. The CER follows up on in-progress conditions. This status refers to conditions that continue to be monitored by the CER. This happens when: This status refers to: Note: Some conditions apply to multiple regions. Conditions may be double counted across regions, resulting in a higher number of conditions than the totals seen in the buttons above. Data Source: Open Government Description: The above map displays the number of CER conditions associated with projects approved by the Commission. The map is split into two tabs which show in-progress and closed conditions separately, mapped to an economic region. If a company has no in-progress conditions specific to an economic region, the dashboard will default to show the closed conditions by region. An additional view is available which contains the number of in-progress and closed conditions that don't have a corresponding economic region in the dataset. The map regions are shaded based on the number of conditions, with lighter coloured regions containing fewer conditions compared to darker colors. Conditions that apply to more than one region are double counted in the map, and these conditions will appear in the map region total and map region breakdown for each applicable region. The condition counts contained in the map navigation buttons represent total conditions without region double counting. Have you checked out the CER's interactive conditions data visualization? This tool offers a deep dive into the CER's conditions compliance data and process, exploring conditions across all CER regulated companies by keyword, project, and location. Reported incidents Section updated: November 2024
The information presented here is based on CER data (2008 to current) for incidents reported under the Onshore Pipeline Regulations and the Processing Plant Regulations. New data is added quarterly. Learn more on how incident data collection has evolved since the NEB (now the CER) was established in 1959. Companies must report events, such as incidents, to the CER in accordance with the CER Event Reporting Guidelines. Knowing what happened, and why, helps us find ways to prevent them from happening again. As defined in the OPR, “incident” means an occurrence that results in: As defined in the PPR, “incident” is defined as an occurrence that results or could result in a significant adverse effect on property, the environment, or the safety of persons. For the purposes of incident reporting in the PPR, events that fall under this definition include, but are not limited to: Companies self-report incidents and are expected to take a precautionary approach in doing so. This means that even when there is doubt as to whether an incident should be reported, the company must report it. The approach is, “When in doubt, report.” This is consistent with CER-regulated companies’ responsibility for anticipating, preventing, mitigating and managing incidents of any size or duration. The CER reviews all reported incidents to assess whether companies have taken the appropriate corrective actions and to identify potential trends in incidents. Each incident is given a status indicating the current stage of the CER's incident review. Operation Beyond Design Limits Includes situations, such as: Operation beyond design limit is typically linked to an over-pressure of the product in the pipe; however, if a pipe was exposed to excessive vibration and was not designed for this, this could be considered operation beyond design limits. Operation beyond design limits does not include equipment contacting the pipe, or corrosion pits, etc. Data Source: Open Government Description: The above map displays the location of product release incidents that have occurred on the pipeline system since 2008. The map defaults to show incidents as bubbles which are coloured based on the substance released. Incidents on the map can be re-categorized based on the most recently available status of the CER's incident review, the year in which the incident was reported, and the province/territory where the incident occurred. The incident map bubble can be switched to show the estimated volume of product released, with larger map bubbles showing larger release volumes relative to other product releases on the system. The incident data can also be toggled to display a stacked bar chart of incidents over time by clicking on the incident trends button above the map. The stacked bars display the number of product release incidents by year, with bar colour segments corresponding to the various products released. Similar to the map, incidents can be re-categorized by clicking on the side buttons to view a breakdown of incidents by status, what happened, why it happened, and province/territory. Have you checked out the CER's interactive incident data visualization? This tool offers a deep dive into the CER's incident data trends, exploring incidents across all CER regulated companies. Operations and maintenance activities Section updated: November 2024
Oil and gas pipeline companies regularly conduct routine operations and maintenance (O&M) activities on CER regulated pipelines. These activities include things such as pipeline repairs, investigative and integrity digs, and many other activities while promoting safety, security, environmental protection, economic efficiency, and respect for the rights of those that may be affected. Companies are required to adhere to Canadian Energy Regulator Act’s Onshore Pipeline Regulations and operate their facilities in a manner that is safe and protects the environment. Authorizations for pipelines typically allow companies to construct and operate a facility, and companies are not required to apply for additional approval to undertake most O&M activities. In certain circumstances, companies are required to notify the CER in advance with sufficient information to make a determination as to whether to inspect O&M activities that could result in safety consequences to landowners or the public, environmental consequences, or a negative impact on normal third-party use of the right-of-way (ROW) or adjacent property. Operations and maintenance activities include: Where any of the following restrictions exist, the company must apply to the Commission in accordance with the CER Act and the related regulations and may not carry out the proposed activity until approval from the Commission has been obtained. The restrictions apply where: O&M activities do not include: Data Source: Open Government Description: The above bar chart displays the number of O&M activities from 2015 to current, arranged based on the starting year of the activity. Each bar is stacked based on several parameters, with the default view showing the province/territory where the O&M activity occurred. Navigation buttons to the right of the bar chart provide the option to view the number of O&M activities by province/territory, if the activity includes an integrity dig, if in-stream work is required, if there are fish present, and if there are species at risk present. View the requirements and guidance notes (O&M Guidelines) for more information on how these events are regulated while promoting safety, security, environmental protection, economic efficiency, and respect for the rights of those that may be affected. Contaminated sites and remediation Section updated: November 2024
As part of the CER’s environmental protection activities, we require companies to manage and remediate contamination throughout the lifecycle of the facilities. As a first step, regulated companies are required to report contamination to the CER through the online submission of the Notification of Contamination (NOC). After the NOC is submitted, companies must demonstrate they are actively managing the contamination according to the Remediation Process Guide. The progress and current status of remediation at the contaminated site are captured in the annual update submitted by a company each year for a contaminated site. Third party contamination is on-site contamination that is shown to not be emanating or migrating from the company’s facilities or company-owned or leased lands or Right-of-Way. While third-party contamination is not the result of company activities, the CER still requires that this contamination is reported to the CER through the submission of the NOC. The dashboard below contains information that is contained in the NOC's and annual updates found in REGDOCS. The CER publishes NOCs that have been submitted to the CER since August 2018, when the CER started collecting this information electronically and annual updates that have been submitted since 2021. For information on contaminated sites for which NOCs were submitted prior to August 2018, email remediation@cer-rec.gc.ca. There are many different methods and approaches to remediate contamination. Thus, when a company submits a plan for remediation (i.e., remedial action plan) for CER review, they are required to include an options analysis to support the remedial method chosen, select appropriate remediation criteria and demonstrate engagement with potentially affected persons, among other requirements. CER analysts also review closure reports submitted by the company once the remediation is completed to ensure remediation has been completed appropriately. Data Source: Open Government Description: The above map displays the approximate location of contaminated sites that have been reported since August 2018. The map defaults to show contaminated sites as bubbles which are coloured based on the year the Notice of Contamination was submitted. Contaminated sites on the map can be re-categorized based on the province/territory, if the site is within 30 metres of a water body, and the applicable land use at the site. The contaminated sites can also be toggled to display a stacked bar chart of events over time by clicking on the contaminated sites trends button above the map. The stacked bars display the number of contaminated sites reported by year. Like the map, contaminated sites can be re-categorized by clicking on the side buttons to view a breakdown of contaminated sites by site status, activity at time of discovery, pipeline or facility, and contaminant type. Damage prevention regulations contravention reports Section updated: November 2024
Damage prevention is where people and pipelines meet; it is the proactive process that keeps people, the environment, and pipelines safe. The CER takes action to protect Canadians and the environment. Some of these actions include having safety requirements for activities near the pipelines that we regulate. Unauthorized activities on or around pipelines are unsafe and illegal. If pipelines are contacted or damaged, the result could be very serious. The CER Damage Prevention Regulations (DPRs) outline the obligations of the pipeline companies to have robust damage prevention and public awareness programs that provide people living and working near pipelines the information to ensure those activities near their pipelines are done safely with respect to the pipeline. The DPRs also outline the requirements for people living and working near pipelines to communicate with pipeline companies when they are planning any construction activity (digging, building, driving on the right-of-way) and to follow the instructions that the pipeline company gives them. Damage prevention is a shared responsibility, and we all play a part in making sure that everyone stays safe when working near a pipeline. Pipeline companies must immediately report to the CER any activity near their pipelines that does not follow the rules and specifications set out in the DPRs. These violations are called contravention reports. The CER provides an Open Government dataset containing information on each reported contravention. Some summary statistics and a dashboard displaying this data is available below. Data Source: Open Government Description: The above map displays the location of DPR contravention reports that have been reported for the pipeline system over the past five plus years. The map defaults to show DPR contravention reports as bubbles which are coloured based on whether the pipe was damaged. DPR contravention reports on the map can be re-categorized based on whether there was a ground disturbance, the year, and who discovered the event. The DPR contravention reports data can also be toggled to display a stacked bar chart of events over time by clicking on the DPR Contravention Reports Trends button above the map. The stacked bars display the number of DPR contravention reports by year, with bar colour segments corresponding to the event type. Similar to the map, DPR contravention reports can be re-categorized by clicking on the side buttons to view a breakdown of events by whether pipe was damaged, who discovered the event, and method of discovery. Open data can be freely used and shared by anyone for any purpose. The data for these graphs are available [CSV]. Emergency management Section updated: April 2025
The CER checks to make sure companies are keeping pipelines safe by doing inspections, in-depth safety audits, and other activities. Yet, even with these precautions, an emergency could still happen. Sound emergency management practices improve public safety and environmental protection outcomes, and provide for more effective emergency response. The CER holds its regulated companies responsible for anticipating, preventing, mitigating, and managing incidents of any size or duration. Each company must have an emergency management program that includes detailed emergency procedures manuals to guide its response in an emergency situation. We oversee the emergency management program of a regulated company’s projects as long as they operate. The CER requires companies to publish information on their emergency management program and their emergency procedures manuals on their websites so Canadians can access emergency management information. To view Southern Lights’ Emergency Response Plan,
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Trust fund balance ($)
18,700,000
26,200,000
31,100,000
30,500,000
38,500,000
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
Revenue (million $)
97.8
106.4
105.9
113.7
98.8
95.4
98.9
106.8
106
Expenses (million $)
62.2
65.6
63
66.4
63.8
62.3
66.5
73.3
18.9
Net income (million $)
47
52.3
54.9
59.1
48.3
43.5
41.5
42.2
98
Assets (million $)
613.3
601.1
619.8
606.1
582.2
574.8
553
539.7
526.1
Disclaimer
Rating Agency
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
DBRS credit rating
BBB (high)
BBB (high)
BBB (high)
BBB (high)
BBB (high)
BBB (high)
BBB (high)
BBB (high)
-
Moody's credit rating
Baa2
Baa2
Baa3
Baa3
Baa2
Baa2
Baa1
Baa1
Baa1
S&P credit rating
BBB+
BBB+
BBB+
BBB+
BBB+
BBB+
BBB+
BBB+
-
Conditions Compliance
In-Progress
Closed
Dashboard instructions
Source and description
Reported Incidents
What is an incident? (Onshore Pipeline Regulations (OPR))
What is an incident? (Processing Plant Regulations (PPR))
Incidents and the CER
CER Status
Incident type definitions: one incident can have multiple types
Are there any incidents near me?
Source and description
Operations and Maintenance Activities
What activities are O&M activities (eligible activities)?
What O&M Activities require CER approval (restrictions on eligible activities)?
What kinds of activities are not O&M activities (ineligible activities)?
Source and description
Contaminated Sites and Remediation
Are there any contaminated sites near me?
Source and description
Damage Prevention Regulations Contravention Reports
Are there any DPR contraventions near me?
Source and description