Enbridge, Inc

Technology infrastructure · Technology systems and infrastructure failure

We are subject to risks relating to the integrity of our systems and infrastructure, as well as affiliate and third-party computer systems, computer networks and other communication systems. System interruption and the lack of integration and redundancy in the information systems and infrastructure, both of our own websites and other computer systems and of affiliate and third-party software, computer networks and other communications systems service providers on which we rely, could adversely affect our ability to conduct our operations.

Digital transformation and innovation · Artificial intelligence and automation

Advancements in AI and the speed at which we can implement them or not increases our cybersecurity risks discussed above and also have the potential to negatively affect our business, operations, reputation or financial results. As AI adoption and integration accelerates in our day-to-day operations, the associated technology and cybersecurity risks are also intensifying, increasing the potential for system vulnerabilities and exposure to malicious threats.

Core operations · Facility damage and equipment failure

Our assets and operations are exposed to the risk of damage or other negative impacts from these kinds of events, which have resulted in and could in the future result in, reduced revenue from business disruption or reduced capacity and increased costs due to repairs and adaptation measures.

Supply chain and procurement · Raw material availability and cost volatility

Continued challenges with global supply chains have created unpredictability in material costs and availability. Labor shortages and inflationary pressures have increased the costs of engineering and construction services.

Human capital and workforce · Talent acquisition and retention

Our business requires the retention and recruitment of a skilled and inclusive workforce, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining our workforce could result in a failure to implement our business plans. Our operations and management require the retention and recruitment of a skilled and inclusive workforce, including engineers, technical personnel, other professionals, executive officers, and senior management.

Supply chain and procurement · Supplier operation and dependance

Other factors that can, and have in the past, delayed project completion and increased project costs include contractor or supplier non-performance, tariffs, extreme weather events and geological factors beyond our control.

Core operations · Operational disruption and business continuity

Operation of complex energy infrastructure involves many hazards and risks that may adversely affect our business, financial results, the environment, relationships with stakeholders, the safety of the public and our workers, and our reputation. These operational risks include accidents, third-party damage to assets or systems, equipment failure, process breakdowns, human error, major power disruptions, curtailment or limitations of commodity supply, operational incidents, failure of information technology or operational technology systems, security incidents (cyber or physical), lower than expected levels of operating capacity or efficiency, among others.

Core operations · Capacity utilization and efficiency

There are utilization risks with respect to our assets, across all business segments. Lower transported volumes can directly reduce our revenues and earnings. Utilization of our assets may be affected by factors such as changing market fundamentals, capacity bottlenecks, regulatory restrictions, maintenance, operational incidents, and increased competition.

Market and investment · Market volatility and economic cycles

Our Liquids Pipelines growth rate and results may be adversely affected by commodity prices. Wide commodity price basis between Western Canada and global tidewater markets has negatively impacted producer netbacks and margins in the past, largely due to pipeline takeaway capacity constraints in Western Canada and North Dakota.

Capital structure and performance · Debt management and refinancing

We rely on access to short-term and long-term capital markets to finance capital requirements and support liquidity needs. If we or our rated subsidiaries are unable to maintain an investment-grade credit rating, it could impair cost effective access to those markets. A significant portion of our consolidated asset base is financed with debt, and the maturity and repayment profile of that debt often does not correlate to cash flows from assets.

Credit and liquidity · Access to capital and financing

If we are not able to access capital at competitive rates, or at all, our ability to finance operations, pursue growth opportunities, or refinance existing debt could be affected. Any downgrade or other event negatively affecting the credit ratings of our subsidiaries could make their costs of borrowing higher or access to funding sources more limited.

Industry regulation · Licensing and permits

We do not own all of the land on which our pipelines, facilities and other assets are located, and we rely on rights granted by third parties or government entities to construct and operate our pipelines and other assets. Our loss of these rights, including through our inability to renew them as they expire, could adversely affect our reputation, operations and financial results.

Tax and financial reporting · Tax compliance and changes in tax law

We are subject to changes in our tax rates, the adoption of new US, Canadian or international tax legislation or exposure to additional tax liabilities. Economic and political conditions may cause tax rates in various jurisdictions to change significantly. Our effective tax rates may be affected by changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, adjustments to the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, or changes in tax laws or their interpretation.

Industry regulation · Safety and environmental regulations

Our operations are subject to numerous environmental laws, regulations, and rules, including those relating to emissions reduction, climate-related disclosure, and anti-greenwashing. Compliance may require significant capital expenditures, increased operating costs, affect or limit our business plans, expose us to environmental liabilities or litigation, and affect our reputation and stakeholder relationships.

Natural and catastrophic events · Natural disasters and extreme weather

Operational risk is also intensified by exposure to severe weather conditions and natural disasters, including those related to climate change. Events such as heavy snowfall, extreme precipitation, floods, landslides, wildfires, hurricanes, cyclones, tornadoes, tropical storms, storm surges, ice storms, and extreme temperatures, as well as chronic physical risks like long-term changes in precipitation patterns, or sustained higher temperatures, can affect the safety and reliability of our operations.

Geopolitical and trade · Trade policies tariffs and sanctions

The announcement and imposition of tariffs by the US, together with potential, announced or implemented retaliatory tariffs by other governments on imports from the US, and other potential measures, including duties, fees, economic sanctions or other trade measures, as well as the potential impacts of these tariffs and trade measures, present significant risks to our business operations and financial results.

Social and demographic · Stakeholder activism and pressure

In addition, increased environmental activism against energy infrastructure could lead to work delays, reduced demand for our services, new or stricter legislation or public policy, or denial or delay of permits and rights-of-way.

Strategic execution · Merger acquisition and divestiture risks

We may encounter difficulties in successfully integrating the US Gas Utilities into our business, which may negatively affect the expected benefits from the Acquisitions. There is a significant degree of difficulty and management distraction inherent in the process of integrating an acquisition, including challenges with integrating certain operations and functions, technologies, organizations, and policies and procedures; managing cultural differences; and retaining key personnel.

Customer and revenue · Changing customer preferences and behavior

Unexpected shifts in energy demands, including those driven by climate change concerns, could reduce revenue through, for example, reduced throughput volumes on our pipeline systems.

Corporate governance · Internal controls and risk management

Our use of financial derivatives to manage risks associated with changes in foreign exchange rates, interest rates, commodity prices, and power prices, to reduce the volatility of our cash flows. Based on our risk management policies, substantially all of our financial derivatives are associated with an underlying asset, liability and/or forecasted transaction and are not intended for speculative purposes. These policies cannot, however, eliminate all risk, including unauthorized trading.