TransCanada Corporation (TransCanada) announced that it has filed a variance application with the National Energy Board to proceed with construction of the North Montney Mainline (NMML) Project in northeast British Columbia (B.C.). TransCanada has previously been granted the required primary federal and provincial approvals to construct NMML, subject to conditions that included the requirement for a positive final investment decision on the proposed Pacific Northwest LNG (PNW) Project.

The requested variance would allow TransCanada to move forward with construction of the majority of the NMML Project, at an estimated capital cost of approximately $1.4 billion, prior to a final investment decision on the PNW LNG project. In support of the variance for the NMML Project, TransCanada has secured new 20-year commercial contracts with 11 shippers for approximately 1.5 Bcf/d of firm service.

"This project adds significant pipeline capacity that connects new gas supplies from the prolific Montney basin to the NGTL System and will provide access to markets across North America," said Karl Johannson, TransCanada's executive vice president and president, natural gas pipelines.

"This investment further affirms our commitment to build key natural gas infrastructure in B.C. and ensures that the NGTL System can continue to efficiently and competitively meet the transportation needs of our customers," added Johannson. "The North Montney Mainline Project will provide new jobs and economic benefits for governments and communities, while supporting further upstream resource investment in B.C."

Subject to regulatory approvals, TransCanada plans to begin construction in the first half of 2018, with facilities being phased into service over a two-year period, beginning in April 2019.

About TransCanada

With more than 65 years' experience, TransCanada (TSX:TRP) (NYSE:TRP) is a leader in the responsible development and reliable operation of North American energy infrastructure including natural gas and liquids pipelines, power generation and gas storage facilities. TransCanada operates a network of natural gas pipelines that extends more than 91,500 kilometres (56,900 miles), tapping into virtually all major gas supply basins in North America. TransCanada is the continent's leading provider of gas storage and related services with 653 billion cubic feet of storage capacity. A large independent power producer, TransCanada currently owns or has interests in over 10,700 megawatts of power generation in Canada and the United States. TransCanada is also the developer and operator of one of North America's leading liquids pipeline systems that extends over 4,300 kilometres (2,700 miles), connecting growing continental oil supplies to key markets and refineries. TransCanada's common shares trade on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges under the symbol TRP.