Staying warm during the polar plunge
Line 5, energy infrastructure is critical
Jan. 22, 2025
Part 2 of a 2-part Series
There’s no doubt about it.
Recent freezing temps in Michigan and the Midwest underscore the importance of having an affordable and reliable source of energy.
For the Upper Peninsula, Michigan and the surrounding region, Enbridge’s Line 5 continues to be the cornerstone of energy reliability and security.
The pipeline is vital infrastructure that helps families and businesses maintain access to affordable energy. It provides more than half the propane used in the Upper Peninsula and meets at least half the State’s demand.
“Line 5 is not just a pipeline; it’s a lifeline for energy reliability,” said Enbridge’s Kate Houchard who leads the company’s operations in the Upper Peninsula.
“Michiganders rely on us to keep their homes heated in the winter and their businesses running smoothly year-round. That’s what we’re doing—deep freeze or not. We’re prepared.”
Propane, an affordable and reliable source of energy
Many rural communities, particularly in the Upper Peninsula, depend on propane delivered by Line 5, especially during harsh winters.
Without the reliable supply from Line 5, families could face higher energy costs or limited access to fuel.
Beyond propane, Line 5 supplies light crude oil to US refineries in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. These refineries produce gasoline, diesel, and other essential products that keep the region moving.
The American Petroleum Institute highlights that these refineries produce fuels and materials essential to daily life and collectively contribute billions of dollars to the regional economy.
The integrated energy supply network served by Line 5 also helps stabilize fuel costs and provides consistent availability of refined products, according to Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) reports.
“At the end of the day, consumers need access to affordable, reliable energy delivered in the most sustainable manner possible. This can only be accomplished by pipelines like Line 5.”
—Chris Ventura, Midwest Executive Director of CEA
“Line 5 is critical to ensure the safe, reliable delivery of the energy that fuels families lives and livelihoods," said Chris Ventura, Midwest Executive Director of CEA.
“Without access to the energy delivered by Line 5, families and businesses across the Midwest would see their energy burden substantially increase—collectively spending at least $5.8 billion more every year just on transportation fuels."
Maintaining current pipelines and modernizing them is important
Mike Moeller, director of the Great Lakes Region who has worked for decades with Enbridge liquids operations, knows firsthand the attention to detail that goes into keeping pipelines operating safety and reliably.
“We understand the importance of balancing energy security with environmental stewardship,” said Moeller.
“That’s why we’ve invested heavily in safety measures and maintenance that help keep Line 5 operating responsibly and reliably day in, day out.”
“The current deep freeze really emphasizes the importance of Line 5 and other energy infrastructure. It has to be in place when people need it.”
Line 5 is important to the region
Along with keeping homes and businesses warm, Line 5 supports thousands of jobs and contributes to the economic vitality of the region. From the skilled tradespeople who maintain the pipeline to the talented workers at regional refineries, the economic impact is significant locally and regionally.
The pipeline’s presence also enables investments in infrastructure upgrades and safety enhancements that directly benefit local economies. Disruptions to Line 5 could lead to increased energy costs for consumers and significant economic losses across the Midwest, according to a CEA study.
"For communities across Michigan and the Midwest, Line 5 is more than just a pipeline that delivers energy. It is the driving force behind $20.8 billion in economic activity, supporting more than 33,000 jobs," continued CEA's Ventura.
Line 5 is maintained
Year round, Enbridge has a proactive pipeline maintenance and inspection program that helps ensure Line 5 is fit for service and delivers energy to those who need it.
“Line 5’s continued operation underscores the importance of a balanced approach to affordable and accessible energy while striving to achieve environmental responsibility,” said Moeller.
“It serves as a vital link in Michigan’s energy infrastructure, providing secure and efficient delivery of resources essential for daily life.”
What role does propane have for you?
For additional information about the importance of propane in Michigan and how Enbridge and Line 5 help in providing reliable and stable energy to the region, Enbridge has prepared a resource guide: Propane Michigan and Line 5
