Feb 2 (Reuters) - Canadian Natural Resources Ltd CNQ.TO -
* December 2016 production averaging approximately 184,000 bbl/d of synthetic crude oil for horizon oil sands
* Average production in q4 of 2016 reached about 178,000 bbl/d of SCO, at high end of previously issued guidance
* Horizon continues to perform above expected design rates, with January 2017 production averaging approximately 195,000 bbl/d of SCO
* Lowering its 2017 SCO operating cost guidance by $2.00/bbl to $24.00/bbl to $27.00/bbl, including planned downtime for maintenance
* Horizon phase 3 expansion, targeted to add 80,000 bbl/d of SCO production is on schedule, on budget for commissioning in q4 2017 Source text for Eikon: ID:nCCN2Gl874 Further company coverage: CNQ.TO