- TC Energy
TC Energy: Insights from the Field — Optimizing LDAR through Data and Collaboration
- Company
TC Energy
- Industry
Pipelines & Energy
- HQ
Calgary, Alberta
- Year Founded
1951
TC Energy develops and operates energy infrastructure across Canada, the United States, and Mexico. Its three core businesses, Natural Gas Pipelines, Liquids Pipelines, and Energy these form a network of nearly 58,000 miles of pipeline transporting over 25 percent of North America’s natural gas demand.
Watch the Conversation
Thomas Fox, CEO of Highwood Emissions Management, speaks with Andy Collard, Manager of Emissions Management at TC Energy, about building a smarter, data-informed LDAR program.
The conversation was part of Thomas’ Monday Morning Methane series, and was recorded November 3, 2025
Conversation Highlights
Here are five takeaways from the conversation
1. Vast and varied operations mean familiar LDAR challenges
TC Energy’s LDAR team manages thousands of facilities across three countries — from Montreal to Kitimat — including remote, fly-in-only sites. Consistency across jurisdictions and minimizing technician travel are constant priorities.
“In Canada alone, we are driving over 800,000 kilometers a year with our technicians to reach all these facilities.” (Andy Collard, Manager, Emissions Management, TC Energy)
2. Data-driven optimization delivers results
After establishing a robust compliance program, TC Energy used Highwood’s LDAR-Sim (originally developed through research at the University of Calgary in collaboration with Highwood’s CEO, Dr. Thomas Fox) to explore how data could make their program safer, more efficient, and more impactful.
“We took all our statistical data and put it into Highwood’s simulation tool to test assumptions — prioritizing high-risk facilities, testing different tools and frequencies.” (Andy Collard, Manager, Emissions Management, TC Energy)
3. Smarter targeting improves both safety and emissions
Using simulation, TC Energy redesigned its LDAR program to focus on high-risk sites and reduce surveys at sites with low emissions.
The results were striking:
~50% reduction in technician driving distance — a major safety improvement
~5% lower overall cost
~20% reduction in fugitive emissions, compared with the standard LDAR program
“That was a huge safety improvement first and foremost… and the program blew our expectations out of the water.” (Andy Collard, Manager, Emissions Management, TC Energy)
4. Continuous learning through better data
The optimization program helped TC Energy challenge long-held assumptions and sharpen its maintenance focus.
“Once we started analyzing our data, we realized some of our preconceived notions about leak sources weren’t supported. Now we can target what really matters.” (Andy Collard, Manager, Emissions Management, TC Energy)
5. Looking ahead: integrated, adaptive methane management
TC Energy continues to evaluate new detection methods, including aerial programs, right-of-way inspections, and continuous monitoring, and will keep using simulation to refine LDAR strategies as new data becomes available.
“The simulation is 100% worth it. The more data you’re able to get around your emission sources, the further all that data is going to go in your simulation activities.” (Andy Collard, Manager, Emissions Management, TC Energy)
Highwood is proud to collaborate with TC Energy on data-driven methane management initiatives that improve safety, efficiency, and environmental performance.
- Results at a glance
~50% reduction in technician driving distance
~5% lower program cost
~20% fewer fugitive emissions
- View more work
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