COMMITMENS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
COMMITMENT AND CONTINGENCIES
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	29.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES COMMITMENTS The Company has signed contracts that primarily relate to the purchase of services, pipe and other materials, as well as transportation, totalling $15,065 million. The amounts which are expected to be paid in the next five years are $5,965 million, $1,815 million, $1,211 million, $986 million and $966 million, respectively, and $4,122 million thereafter. Minimum future payments under operating leases for buildings, railcars, storage and pipe are estimated at $1,240 million in aggregate. Estimated annual lease payments for the years ending December 31, 2015 through 2019 are $118 million, $114 million, $104 million, $63 million and $61 million, respectively, and $780 million thereafter. Total rental expense for operating leases, included in Operating and administrative expense, were $91 million, $49 million and $31 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. ENBRIDGE ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P. As at December 31, 2014, Enbridge holds an approximate 33.7% (2013 - 20.6%; 2012 - 21.8%) combined direct and indirect economic interest in EEP, which is consolidated with noncontrolling interests within the Sponsored Investments segment. Lakehead System Lines 6A and 6B Crude Oil Releases Line 6B Crude Oil Release On July 26, 2010, a release of crude oil on Line 6B of EEP’s Lakehead System was reported near Marshall, Michigan. EEP estimates that approximately 20,000 barrels of crude oil were leaked at the site, a portion of which reached the Talmadge Creek, a waterway that feeds the Kalamazoo River. The released crude oil affected approximately 61 kilometres (38 miles) of shoreline along the Talmadge Creek and Kalamazoo River waterways, including residential areas, businesses, farmland and marshland between Marshall and downstream of Battle Creek, Michigan. In response to the release, a unified command structure was established under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment and other federal, state and local agencies. EEP continues to perform necessary remediation, restoration and monitoring of the areas affected by the Line 6B crude oil release. All the initiatives EEP is undertaking in the monitoring and restoration phase are intended to restore the crude oil release area to the satisfaction of the appropriate regulatory authorities. On March 14, 2013, EEP received an order from the EPA which defined the scope requiring additional containment and active recovery of submerged oil relating to the Line 6B crude oil release. EEP submitted its initial proposed work plan required by the EPA on April 4, 2013 and resubmitted the work plan on April 23, 2013 and again on May 1, 2013 based on EPA comments. The EPA approved the Submerged Oil Recovery and Assessment (SORA) work plan with modification on May 8, 2013. EEP incorporated the modification and submitted an approved SORA on May 13, 2013. At this time, EEP has completed substantially all of the SORA. As of December 31, 2014, regulatory authority transferred from the EPA to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). EEP is now working with the MDEQ who has oversight over the submerged oil reassessment, sheen management and sediment trap monitoring and maintenance activities through a Kalamazoo River Residual Oil Monitoring and Maintenance Work Plan. As at December 31, 2014, EEP’s total cost estimate for the Line 6B crude oil release was US$1.2 billion ($193 million after-tax attributable to Enbridge), which is an increase of US$86 million ($12 million after-tax attributable to Enbridge) as compared with December 31, 2013. On May 28, 2014, the MDEQ’s Water Resource Division approved EEP’s Schedule of Work for the remainder of 2014. The total cost increase of US$86 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, is primarily related to the MDEQ approved Schedule of Work, completion of the dredge activities near Ceresco and Morrow Lake and estimated civil penalties under the Clean Water Act of the United States (Clean Water Act), as described below under Legal and Regulatory Proceedings. Expected losses associated with the Line 6B crude oil release included those costs that were considered probable and that could be reasonably estimated at December 31, 2014. Despite the efforts EEP has made to ensure the reasonableness of its estimates, there continues to be the potential for EEP to incur additional costs in connection with this crude oil release due to variations in any or all of the cost categories, including modified or revised requirements from regulatory agencies, in addition to fines and penalties and expenditures associated with litigation and settlement of claims. Line 6A Crude Oil Release A release of crude oil from Line 6A of EEP’s Lakehead System was reported in an industrial area of Romeoville, Illinois on September 9, 2010. EEP estimates that approximately 9,000 barrels of crude oil were released, of which approximately 1,400 barrels were removed from the pipeline as part of the repair. Some of the released crude oil went onto a roadway, into a storm sewer, a waste water treatment facility and then into a nearby retention pond. All but a small amount of the crude oil was recovered. EEP completed excavation and replacement of the pipeline segment and returned it to service on September 17, 2010. EEP continues to monitor the areas affected by the crude oil release from Line 6A of its Lakehead System for any additional requirements; however, the cleanup, remediation and restoration of the areas affected by the release have been completed. On October 21, 2013, the National Transportation Safety Board publicly posted their final report related to the Line 6A crude oil release that occurred in Romeoville, Illinois, which states the probable cause of the crude oil release was erosion caused by a leaking water pipe resulting from an improperly installed third-party water service line below EEP’s oil pipeline. As at December 31, 2014, the total estimated cost for the Line 6A crude oil release is now approximately US$51 million ($7 million after-tax attributable to Enbridge), before insurance recoveries and excluding fines and penalties, which is an increase of US$3 million (nil after-tax attributable to Enbridge) as compared to December 31, 2013 primarily due to additional legal expenses. These costs included emergency response, environmental remediation and cleanup activities with the crude oil release. EEP is pursuing recovery of the costs associated with the Line 6A crude oil release from third parties; however, there can be no assurance that any such recovery will be obtained. Insurance Recoveries EEP is included in the comprehensive insurance program that is maintained by Enbridge for its subsidiaries and affiliates which renews throughout the year. On May 1 of each year, the insurance program is up for renewal and includes commercial liability insurance coverage which is consistent with coverage considered customary for its industry and includes coverage for environmental incidents excluding costs for fines and penalties. A majority of the costs incurred in connection with the crude oil release for Line 6B are covered by Enbridge’s comprehensive insurance policy that expired on April 30, 2011, which had an aggregate limit of US$650 million for pollution liability for Enbridge and its affiliates. Including EEP’s remediation spending through December 31, 2014, costs related to Line 6B exceeded the limits of the coverage available under this insurance policy. Additionally, fines and penalties would not be covered under the existing insurance policy. As at December 31, 2014, EEP has recorded total insurance recoveries of US$547 million ($80 million after-tax attributable to Enbridge) for the Line 6B crude oil release out of the US$650 million aggregate limit. EEP will record receivables for additional amounts it claims for recovery pursuant to its insurance policies during the period it deems recovery to be probable. In March 2013, the Company filed a lawsuit against one insurer who is disputing recovery eligibility for Line 6B costs. While the Company believes outstanding claims are covered under the policy, there can be no assurance the Company will prevail in this lawsuit. Enbridge renewed its comprehensive property and liability insurance programs under which the Company is insured through April 30, 2015 with a liability aggregate limit of US$700 million, including sudden and accidental pollution liability. The deductible applicable to oil pollution events was increased to US$30 million per event, from the previous US$10 million. In the unlikely event multiple insurable incidents which in aggregate exceed coverage limits occur within the same insurance period, the total insurance coverage will be allocated among Enbridge entities on an equitable basis based on an insurance allocation agreement among Enbridge and its subsidiaries. Legal and Regulatory Proceedings A number of United States governmental agencies and regulators have initiated investigations into the Line 6B crude oil release. Approximately seven actions or claims are pending against Enbridge, EEP or their affiliates in United States federal and state courts in connection with the Line 6B crude oil release, including direct actions and actions seeking class status. Based on the current status of these cases, the Company does not expect the outcome of these actions to be material. At December 31, 2014, included in EEP’s estimated costs related to the Line 6B crude oil release is US$48 million in fines and penalties. Of this amount, US$3.7 million related to civil penalties assessed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which EEP paid during the third quarter of 2012. The total also included an amount of US$40 million related to civil penalties under the Clean Water Act. While no final fine or penalty has been assessed or agreed to date, EEP believes that, based on the best information available at this time, the US$40 million represents an estimate of the minimum amount which may be assessed, excluding costs of injunctive relief that may be agreed to with the relevant governmental agencies. Given the complexity of settlement negotiations, which EEP expects will continue, and the limited information available to assess the matter, EEP is unable to reasonably estimate the final penalty which might be incurred or to reasonably estimate a range of outcomes at this time. Injunctive relief is likely to include further measures directed toward enhancing spill prevention, leak detection, emergency response to environmental events. The cost of compliance with such measures could be significant. Discussions with governmental agencies regarding fines, penalties and injunctive relief are ongoing. One claim related to Line 6A crude oil release has been filed against Enbridge, EEP or their affiliates by the State of Illinois in the Illinois state court in connection with this crude oil release, and the parties are currently operating under an agreed interim order. Lakehead System Line 14 Crude Oil Release On July 27, 2012, a release of crude oil was detected on Line 14 of EEP’s Lakehead System near Grand Marsh, Wisconsin. The estimated volume of oil released was approximately 1,700 barrels. EEP received a Corrective Action Order (CAO) from the PHMSA on July 30, 2012, followed by an amended CAO on August 1, 2012. Upon restart of Line 14 on August 7, 2012, PHMSA restricted the operating pressure to 80% of the pressure in place at the time immediately prior to the incident. During the fourth quarter of 2013, EEP received approval from the PHMSA to remove the pressure restrictions and to return to normal operating pressures for a period of 12 months. In December 2014, the PHMSA again considered the status of the pipeline in light of information they acquired throughout 2014. On December 9, 2014, EEP received a letter from the PHMSA approving its request to continue the normal operation of Line 14 without pressure restrictions. The total estimated cost for the repair and remediation associated with the Line 14 crude oil release remains at approximately US$10 million ($1 million after-tax attributable to Enbridge), inclusive of approximately US$2 million of lost revenues and excluding any fines and penalties. Despite the efforts EEP has made to ensure the reasonableness of its estimate, changes to the estimated amounts associated with this release are possible as more reliable information becomes available. EEP will be pursuing claims under Enbridge’s comprehensive insurance policy, although it does not expect any recoveries to be significant. AUX SABLE Notice of Violation In September 2014, Aux Sable received a Notice of Violation (NOV) from the EPA for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act related to the Leak Detection and Repair program, and related provisions of the Clean Air Act permit for Aux Sable’s Channahon, Illinois facility. As part of the ongoing process of responding to the NOV, Aux Sable discovered what it believes to be additional exceedance of currently permitted limits for Volatile Organic Material. Aux Sable is engaged in discussions with the EPA to evaluate the potential impact and ultimate resolution of these issues. At this time, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the financial impact, if any, which might result from discussions with the EPA. TAX MATTERS Enbridge and its subsidiaries maintain tax liabilities related to uncertain tax positions. While fully supportable in the Company’s view, these tax positions, if challenged by tax authorities, may not be fully sustained on review. OTHER LITIGATION The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various other legal and regulatory actions and proceedings which arise in the normal course of business, including interventions in regulatory proceedings and challenges to regulatory approvals and permits by special interest groups. While the final outcome of such actions and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, Management believes that the resolution of such actions and proceedings will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

29.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS

The Company has signed contracts that primarily relate to the purchase of services, pipe and other materials, as well as transportation, totalling $15,065 million. The amounts which are expected to be paid in the next five years are $5,965 million, $1,815 million, $1,211 million, $986 million and $966 million, respectively, and $4,122 million thereafter.

Minimum future payments under operating leases for buildings, railcars, storage and pipe are estimated at $1,240 million in aggregate. Estimated annual lease payments for the years ending December 31, 2015 through 2019 are $118 million, $114 million, $104 million, $63 million and $61 million, respectively, and $780 million thereafter. Total rental expense for operating leases, included in Operating and administrative expense, were $91 million, $49 million and $31 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

ENBRIDGE ENERGY PARTNERS, L.P.

As at December 31, 2014, Enbridge holds an approximate 33.7% (2013 - 20.6%; 2012 - 21.8%) combined direct and indirect economic interest in EEP, which is consolidated with noncontrolling interests within the Sponsored Investments segment.

Lakehead System Lines 6A and 6B Crude Oil Releases

Line 6B Crude Oil Release

On July 26, 2010, a release of crude oil on Line 6B of EEP’s Lakehead System was reported near Marshall, Michigan. EEP estimates that approximately 20,000 barrels of crude oil were leaked at the site, a portion of which reached the Talmadge Creek, a waterway that feeds the Kalamazoo River. The released crude oil affected approximately 61 kilometres (38 miles) of shoreline along the Talmadge Creek and Kalamazoo River waterways, including residential areas, businesses, farmland and marshland between Marshall and downstream of Battle Creek, Michigan. In response to the release, a unified command structure was established under the jurisdiction of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment and other federal, state and local agencies.

EEP continues to perform necessary remediation, restoration and monitoring of the areas affected by the Line 6B crude oil release. All the initiatives EEP is undertaking in the monitoring and restoration phase are intended to restore the crude oil release area to the satisfaction of the appropriate regulatory authorities. On March 14, 2013, EEP received an order from the EPA which defined the scope requiring additional containment and active recovery of submerged oil relating to the Line 6B crude oil release. EEP submitted its initial proposed work plan required by the EPA on April 4, 2013 and resubmitted the work plan on April 23, 2013 and again on May 1, 2013 based on EPA comments. The EPA approved the Submerged Oil Recovery and Assessment (SORA) work plan with modification on May 8, 2013. EEP incorporated the modification and submitted an approved SORA on May 13, 2013. At this time, EEP has completed substantially all of the SORA.

As of December 31, 2014, regulatory authority transferred from the EPA to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ). EEP is now working with the MDEQ who has oversight over the submerged oil reassessment, sheen management and sediment trap monitoring and maintenance activities through a Kalamazoo River Residual Oil Monitoring and Maintenance Work Plan.

As at December 31, 2014, EEP’s total cost estimate for the Line 6B crude oil release was US$1.2 billion ($193 million after-tax attributable to Enbridge), which is an increase of US$86 million ($12 million after-tax attributable to Enbridge) as compared with December 31, 2013. On May 28, 2014, the MDEQ’s Water Resource Division approved EEP’s Schedule of Work for the remainder of 2014. The total cost increase of US$86 million during the year ended December 31, 2014, is primarily related to the MDEQ approved Schedule of Work, completion of the dredge activities near Ceresco and Morrow Lake and estimated civil penalties under the Clean Water Act of the United States (Clean Water Act), as described below under Legal and Regulatory Proceedings.

Expected losses associated with the Line 6B crude oil release included those costs that were considered probable and that could be reasonably estimated at December 31, 2014. Despite the efforts EEP has made to ensure the reasonableness of its estimates, there continues to be the potential for EEP to incur additional costs in connection with this crude oil release due to variations in any or all of the cost categories, including modified or revised requirements from regulatory agencies, in addition to fines and penalties and expenditures associated with litigation and settlement of claims.

Line 6A Crude Oil Release

A release of crude oil from Line 6A of EEP’s Lakehead System was reported in an industrial area of Romeoville, Illinois on September 9, 2010. EEP estimates that approximately 9,000 barrels of crude oil were released, of which approximately 1,400 barrels were removed from the pipeline as part of the repair. Some of the released crude oil went onto a roadway, into a storm sewer, a waste water treatment facility and then into a nearby retention pond. All but a small amount of the crude oil was recovered. EEP completed excavation and replacement of the pipeline segment and returned it to service on September 17, 2010.

EEP continues to monitor the areas affected by the crude oil release from Line 6A of its Lakehead System for any additional requirements; however, the cleanup, remediation and restoration of the areas affected by the release have been completed. On October 21, 2013, the National Transportation Safety Board publicly posted their final report related to the Line 6A crude oil release that occurred in Romeoville, Illinois, which states the probable cause of the crude oil release was erosion caused by a leaking water pipe resulting from an improperly installed third-party water service line below EEP’s oil pipeline.

As at December 31, 2014, the total estimated cost for the Line 6A crude oil release is now approximately US$51 million ($7 million after-tax attributable to Enbridge), before insurance recoveries and excluding fines and penalties, which is an increase of US$3 million (nil after-tax attributable to Enbridge) as compared to December 31, 2013 primarily due to additional legal expenses. These costs included emergency response, environmental remediation and cleanup activities with the crude oil release. EEP is pursuing recovery of the costs associated with the Line 6A crude oil release from third parties; however, there can be no assurance that any such recovery will be obtained.

Insurance Recoveries

EEP is included in the comprehensive insurance program that is maintained by Enbridge for its subsidiaries and affiliates which renews throughout the year. On May 1 of each year, the insurance program is up for renewal and includes commercial liability insurance coverage which is consistent with coverage considered customary for its industry and includes coverage for environmental incidents excluding costs for fines and penalties.

A majority of the costs incurred in connection with the crude oil release for Line 6B are covered by Enbridge’s comprehensive insurance policy that expired on April 30, 2011, which had an aggregate limit of US$650 million for pollution liability for Enbridge and its affiliates. Including EEP’s remediation spending through December 31, 2014, costs related to Line 6B exceeded the limits of the coverage available under this insurance policy. Additionally, fines and penalties would not be covered under the existing insurance policy. As at December 31, 2014, EEP has recorded total insurance recoveries of US$547 million ($80 million after-tax attributable to Enbridge) for the Line 6B crude oil release out of the US$650 million aggregate limit. EEP will record receivables for additional amounts it claims for recovery pursuant to its insurance policies during the period it deems recovery to be probable. In March 2013, the Company filed a lawsuit against one insurer who is disputing recovery eligibility for Line 6B costs. While the Company believes outstanding claims are covered under the policy, there can be no assurance the Company will prevail in this lawsuit.

Enbridge renewed its comprehensive property and liability insurance programs under which the Company is insured through April 30, 2015 with a liability aggregate limit of US$700 million, including sudden and accidental pollution liability. The deductible applicable to oil pollution events was increased to US$30 million per event, from the previous US$10 million. In the unlikely event multiple insurable incidents which in aggregate exceed coverage limits occur within the same insurance period, the total insurance coverage will be allocated among Enbridge entities on an equitable basis based on an insurance allocation agreement among Enbridge and its subsidiaries.

Legal and Regulatory Proceedings

A number of United States governmental agencies and regulators have initiated investigations into the Line 6B crude oil release. Approximately seven actions or claims are pending against Enbridge, EEP or their affiliates in United States federal and state courts in connection with the Line 6B crude oil release, including direct actions and actions seeking class status. Based on the current status of these cases, the Company does not expect the outcome of these actions to be material.

At December 31, 2014, included in EEP’s estimated costs related to the Line 6B crude oil release is US$48 million in fines and penalties. Of this amount, US$3.7 million related to civil penalties assessed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which EEP paid during the third quarter of 2012. The total also included an amount of US$40 million related to civil penalties under the Clean Water Act. While no final fine or penalty has been assessed or agreed to date, EEP believes that, based on the best information available at this time, the US$40 million represents an estimate of the minimum amount which may be assessed, excluding costs of injunctive relief that may be agreed to with the relevant governmental agencies. Given the complexity of settlement negotiations, which EEP expects will continue, and the limited information available to assess the matter, EEP is unable to reasonably estimate the final penalty which might be incurred or to reasonably estimate a range of outcomes at this time. Injunctive relief is likely to include further measures directed toward enhancing spill prevention, leak detection, emergency response to environmental events. The cost of compliance with such measures could be significant. Discussions with governmental agencies regarding fines, penalties and injunctive relief are ongoing.

One claim related to Line 6A crude oil release has been filed against Enbridge, EEP or their affiliates by the State of Illinois in the Illinois state court in connection with this crude oil release, and the parties are currently operating under an agreed interim order.

Lakehead System Line 14 Crude Oil Release

On July 27, 2012, a release of crude oil was detected on Line 14 of EEP’s Lakehead System near Grand Marsh, Wisconsin. The estimated volume of oil released was approximately 1,700 barrels. EEP received a Corrective Action Order (CAO) from the PHMSA on July 30, 2012, followed by an amended CAO on August 1, 2012. Upon restart of Line 14 on August 7, 2012, PHMSA restricted the operating pressure to 80% of the pressure in place at the time immediately prior to the incident. During the fourth quarter of 2013, EEP received approval from the PHMSA to remove the pressure restrictions and to return to normal operating pressures for a period of 12 months. In December 2014, the PHMSA again considered the status of the pipeline in light of information they acquired throughout 2014. On December 9, 2014, EEP received a letter from the PHMSA approving its request to continue the normal operation of Line 14 without pressure restrictions.

The total estimated cost for the repair and remediation associated with the Line 14 crude oil release remains at approximately US$10 million ($1 million after-tax attributable to Enbridge), inclusive of approximately US$2 million of lost revenues and excluding any fines and penalties. Despite the efforts EEP has made to ensure the reasonableness of its estimate, changes to the estimated amounts associated with this release are possible as more reliable information becomes available. EEP will be pursuing claims under Enbridge’s comprehensive insurance policy, although it does not expect any recoveries to be significant.

AUX SABLE

Notice of Violation

In September 2014, Aux Sable received a Notice of Violation (NOV) from the EPA for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act related to the Leak Detection and Repair program, and related provisions of the Clean Air Act permit for Aux Sable’s Channahon, Illinois facility. As part of the ongoing process of responding to the NOV, Aux Sable discovered what it believes to be additional exceedance of currently permitted limits for Volatile Organic Material. Aux Sable is engaged in discussions with the EPA to evaluate the potential impact and ultimate resolution of these issues. At this time, the Company is unable to reasonably estimate the financial impact, if any, which might result from discussions with the EPA.

TAX MATTERS

Enbridge and its subsidiaries maintain tax liabilities related to uncertain tax positions. While fully supportable in the Company’s view, these tax positions, if challenged by tax authorities, may not be fully sustained on review.

OTHER LITIGATION

The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to various other legal and regulatory actions and proceedings which arise in the normal course of business, including interventions in regulatory proceedings and challenges to regulatory approvals and permits by special interest groups. While the final outcome of such actions and proceedings cannot be predicted with certainty, Management believes that the resolution of such actions and proceedings will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.