Content
Business Risks
Risks for Alliance Pipeline Canada are similar to those identified for Alliance Pipeline US in the Gas Pipelines segment. The following risks relate to the Saskatchewan System. General risks that affect the Company as a whole are described under Risk Management.
Competition
The Saskatchewan System faces competition in pipeline transportation from other pipelines as well as other forms of transportation, most notably trucking. These alternative transportation options could charge rates or provide service to locations that result in greater net profit for shippers and thereby potentially reduce shipping on the Saskatchewan System or result in possible toll reductions. The Saskatchewan System manages exposure to loss of shippers by ensuring the shipping rates are competitive and by providing a high level of service. Further, the Saskatchewan System's right-of-way and expansion efforts have created a competitive advantage. The Saskatchewan System will continue to focus on increasing efficiencies and its expansion projects in order to meet its shippers' growing demand.
Demand for Services
Operations and tolls for the Saskatchewan Gathering and the Westspur Systems are, in general, based on volumes transported and are on terms similar to a common carrier basis with no specific on-going volume commitments. There is no assurance that shippers will continue to utilize these systems in the future or transport volumes on similar terms or at similar tolls.