Enbridge (TSX: ENB) has received a Canada Energy Regulator recommendation to approve its $4.0 billion Sunrise expansion program, leaving federal cabinet approval as the remaining gate before construction can begin as early as Q2 2026.
The CER said the program is in the public interest and recommended issuance of a certificate to authorize the project.
Sunrise is an expansion of the southern portion of Enbridge’s Westcoast natural gas pipeline system, adding 11 new pipeline loops totaling 139 kilometres, plus two new overhead power lines to supply two new compressor stations, alongside upgrades and modifications to existing infrastructure.
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In the Cariboo regional district, Enbridge outlined a new compressor station south of 100 Mile House near Lone Butte, with peak construction staffing of more than 600 workers for pipeline work and 150 workers for the compressor station.
The build also includes 6.1 kilometres of looping east of Williams Lake near the existing Compressor Station 6A and 27.4 kilometres of looping south toward Green Lake.
Enbridge’s stated outcome is up to 300 million cubic feet per day of incremental transportation capacity on the T-South system, with a targeted in-service date in late 2028.
Company guidance to local media pegged a start of operations by end-2028, with peak construction employment estimated at more than 2,500 workers across BC and an expected contribution of more than $3.0 billion to Canada’s economy.
Enbridge also pointed to secondary impacts, citing higher demand for local accommodations, restaurants, and services, plus taxes during and after completion. 
The energy firm applied to the CER in May 2024, and after the recommendation in January, the federal government has 90 days to decide, with a decision expected by April 30, 2026, after which Ottawa would direct the CER to issue the certificate to authorize construction.
Enbridge project leadership explicitly urged a fast federal decision to enable construction to begin in Q2 2026.
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