Keystone flow increase to be temporary: TC Energy

TC Energy will perform testing on its Keystone Pipeline system starting in November that will boost throughputs temporarily, rather than permanently increasing capacity.

No new service for Keystone was offered as the testing is a short-term activity to evaluate the operational performance and reliability of the system, the Calgary-based company clarified today.

The testing will begin in early November and last approximately two months, with rates reaching up to 4,750m³/hr, or the equivalent of about 720,000 b/d.

The system averaged 610,000 b/d across the second quarter and is currently at about 622,000 b/d.

The line will eventually be able to accommodate 640,000 b/d as previously awarded space gets put into service, but the timing is yet to be determined.

Prior to this, throughputs were largely limited to 590,000 b/d for the system that originates in Hardisty, Alberta, and includes more than 2,600 miles (4,184km) of pipelines delivering crude to key market hubs including Patoka, Illinois; Cushing, Oklahoma; and Port Arthur, Texas.

By Brett Holmes