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Cenovus Energy provides update on Downstream operations

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Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE) issued an update on its downstream operations following extreme winter storms and pipeline outages that affected refinery throughput in the U.S. and Canada. The Lloydminster Refinery performed well, but operational issues led to reduced throughput in December. Current estimates for Q4 2022 show Canadian throughput at 90-95 Mbbls/d and U.S. throughput at 370-380 Mbbls/d. The Lima Refinery is back at full rates, while the Lloydminster Upgrader and Borger Refinery are expected to follow by mid-January. Q1 2023 throughput is anticipated to be lower than expected.

Positive
  • Lima Refinery has returned to full operational rates.
  • Lloydminster Upgrader and Borger Refinery expected to resume full rates by mid-January.
Negative
  • U.S. and Lloydminster refining operations faced unplanned operational issues.
  • Q4 2022 downstream throughput significantly reduced due to weather impacts and pipeline outages.
  • Q1 2023 downstream refinery throughput anticipated to be lower than expected.

CALGARY, Alberta, Jan. 08, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cenovus Energy Inc. (TSX: CVE) (NYSE: CVE) is providing an update on its Downstream operations following recent extreme winter storms and severe cold temperatures at the company’s U.S. and Canadian refining operations, coupled with unplanned operational challenges and third-party pipeline outages, which impacted refinery throughput and operational availability. Cenovus’s priority remains the safety of its people and the reliability and integrity of its operations.

The Lloydminster Refinery has continued to run well through December and into January. However, the company’s refineries in the U.S. and the Lloydminster Upgrader experienced various degrees of unplanned operational issues, weather-related impacts and third-party pipeline outages. As a result, downstream throughput was significantly reduced in December. Cenovus now expects Q4 2022 downstream throughput in the ranges set out below.

Estimated Q4 2022 Throughput (Mbbls/d)
Canadian Manufacturing90 – 95
U.S. Manufacturing370 – 380
  

The Lima Refinery is now operating at full rates. The Lloydminster Upgrader and Borger Refinery are each expected to return to full rates by about the middle of January. The Wood River Refinery, currently operating at approximately 65% capacity, is expected to continue to increase rates through the first quarter. As a result of these impacts, Q1 2023 downstream refinery throughput will be lower than anticipated.

If necessary, Cenovus will provide an update to its 2023 Corporate Guidance in February when its 2022 fourth-quarter and full-year results are announced.

Advisory
Forward-looking Information
This document contains certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively referred to as “forward-looking information”) about Cenovus’s current expectations, estimates and projections about the future, based on certain assumptions made in light of experience and perception of historical trends. Forward-looking information in this news release is identified by words such as “continue”, “estimate”, “expect”, “priority”, and “will” or similar expressions, including, but not limited to, statements about: safety and the reliability and integrity of operations; downstream throughput; rates of production at facilities and the timing thereof; and updating 2023 Corporate Guidance.

Although Cenovus believes that the expectations represented by such forward-looking information are reasonable, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. This forward-looking information is current only as of the date indicated above. Cenovus undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information except as required by law.

Developing forward-looking information involves reliance on a number of assumptions and consideration of certain risks and uncertainties, including those assumptions stated and inherent in Cenovus’s 2023 Corporate Guidance available on cenovus.com, some of which are specific to Cenovus and others that apply to the industry generally.

Additional information about risks, assumptions, uncertainties and other factors that could cause Cenovus’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by its forward-looking information is contained under “Risk Management and Risk Factors” in Cenovus’s annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) for the year ended December 31, 2021, as supplemented by updates in our most recent quarterly MD&A, each of which is available on SEDAR at sedar.com, on EDGAR at sec.gov and at cenovus.com.

Cenovus Energy Inc.
Cenovus Energy Inc. is an integrated energy company with oil and natural gas production operations in Canada and the Asia Pacific region, and upgrading, refining and marketing operations in Canada and the United States. The company is focused on managing its assets in a safe, innovative and cost-efficient manner, integrating environmental, social and governance considerations into its business plans. Cenovus common shares and warrants are listed on the Toronto and New York stock exchanges, and the company’s preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange. For more information, visit cenovus.com.

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Cenovus contacts:

InvestorsMedia
Investor Relations general line
Media Relations general line
403-766-7711403-766-7751

FAQ

What are the estimated throughput figures for CVE in Q4 2022?

Cenovus Energy estimates Canadian throughput at 90-95 Mbbls/d and U.S. throughput at 370-380 Mbbls/d for Q4 2022.

How did the winter storms impact Cenovus Energy's operations?

Winter storms caused unplanned operational challenges and third-party pipeline outages, significantly reducing refinery throughput.

When is Cenovus Energy expected to update its 2023 Corporate Guidance?

Cenovus Energy plans to update its 2023 Corporate Guidance in February, following the announcement of its Q4 2022 and full-year results.

What percentage of capacity is the Wood River Refinery currently operating at?

The Wood River Refinery is currently operating at approximately 65% capacity.

Cenovus Energy Inc.

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