Download ReportToll-Free Phone Number - New Email Address The AUC announced the implementation of a new toll-free phone number which will replace the former consumer relations phone number and the information services numbers.The AUC also announced it will stop using...
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These articles by our expert team cover the details of various decisions made by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), Alberta Utilities Commision (AUC), and Canada Energy Regulator (CER). Browse our searchable archive below to learn more about the results we’ve achieved for our clients.
AER Bulletin 2018-33: Reporting Related to Closure Activities and Directive 039 Moving to OneStop
Download ReportUpdates to Reporting As of November 29, 2018, the following reports must be submitted through OneStop, the AER’s online submission tool: reports related to well suspensions (initial suspension, industry inspections, and reactivation); previously...
AUC Announcement: Remembering William Andrew Grieve (November 21, 2018)
Download ReportIn RemembranceIn this announcement, the AUC announced that their recently retired chair, William Grieve, passed away on the evening of November 20, 2018.There were many facets of Mr. Grieve that made him an inspiration to those at the AUC, and so well...
AER Bulletin 2018-29: New Edition of Directive 020: Well Abandonment
Download ReportDirective 020 - Well Abandonment In this bulletin, the AER announced the release of the new edition of Directive 020: Well Abandonment.The new edition gives licensees more options when determining the depth at which to set isolation devices when...
AER Issues Environmental Protection Order to ConocoPhillips
The AER announced that it had issued an environmental protection order (“EPO”) under section 113 of the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act and section 29 of the Pipeline Act to ConocoPhillips Canada Operations Ltd. (“Conoco”). The EPO was issued in response to a pipeline failure on one of Conoco’s condensate pipelines, located between 01-36-060-03-W6M and 14-07-060-02-W6M. The AER noted that the pipeline failure resulted in the release of approximately 380 cubic meters of condensate approximately 65 kilometers northwest of Grande Cache, Alberta.
Request for Regulatory Appeal by Gordon Knull – Apache Canada Ltd. (AER Appeal No.: 1891163)
The AER determined that a hearing into the Regulatory Appeal would be held as the legislative tests were met.
AER Bulletin 2017-13: Changes to Process for Transfer Application Decisions
Download ReportTransfer Applications – Integrated Decision Approach The AER issued Bulletin 2017-13, in which it announced changes to the decision process for transfer applications. The AER stated that applications to transfer AER approvals from one approval holder to...
AUC Bulletin 2017-04: Stakeholder comments sought for changes to AUC Rule 024: Rules Respecting Micro-Generation
Download ReportBulletin – Micro-Generation Rules The AUC invited stakeholders written comments regarding proposed changes to AUC Rule 024: Rules Respecting Micro-Generation.A draft of the proposed new Rule 024 is posted on the AUC website.
AUC Bulletin 2017-03: Consultation regarding the Alberta Utilities Commission’s enforcement policy and practices
Download ReportBulletin – Enforcement Policy & Practices On November 1, 2016, the AUC issued Bulletin 2016-20, inviting stakeholder feedback regarding the AUC’s enforcement program.In this Bulletin, the AUC provided its responses to comments received from ENMAX...
Bulletin 2017-06: Release of Directive 084: Requirements for Hydrocarbon Emission Controls and Gas Conservation in the Peace River Area
084: Requirements for Hydrocarbon Emission Controls and Gas Conservation in the Peace River Area (“Directive 084”).The AER states that the new directive is intended to address odour and emissions concerns expressed by residents of the Peace River area.The new...
Bulletin 2017-04 re First 2017/18 Orphan Fund Levy
In this Bulletin, the AER announced that it is prescribing an orphan fund levy in the amount of $15 million.The Orphan Well Association (“OWA”), Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (“CAPP”), and Explorers and Producers Association of Canada (“EPAC”) approved a...
AUC Bulletin 2019-02: Amended AUC Rule 030: Compliance with the Code of Conduct Regulation
Link to decision summarizedCode of Conduct Regulation - Amendment In this bulletin, the AUC announced its approval of an amended Rule 030: Compliance with the Code of Conduct Regulation. The amended rule was effective on April 1, 2019.Section 40(4) of the Code of...
Fort McMurray Metis, Local 1935 v. Alberta (Minister of Aboriginal Relations), 2016 ABQB 712
In Fort McMurray Metis, Local 1935 v. Alberta (Minister of Aboriginal Relations), 2016 ABQB 712 (a companion decision to 2016 ABQB 713, summarized above), Justice Goss issued her reasons for granting judicial review of an ACO decision regarding whether the Crown’s duty to consult had been triggered.
AUC Bulletin 2016-22: New AUC Rule 031: Conditional Exemption from Specific Financing and Reporting Requirements
Download ReportIn Bulletin 2016-22, the AUC announced its approval of AUC Rule 031: Conditional Exemption from Specific Financing and Reporting Requirements (“Rule 31).Rule 31 was approved in Decision 21555-D01-2016 (the “Rule 31 Decision”), and is effective as of...
AUC Bulletin 2016-21: Enhancements to the AUC’s eFiling System for revised documents
Download ReportIn AUC Bulletin 2016-21, the AUC set out a new process for proceeding participants to file revisions to previously filed documents on the AUC e-filing system.The new process is also reflected in a minor amendment to AUC Rule 001: Rules of Practice.The...
AUC Bulletin 2016-16: Transmission Rate Treatments to Recover Electric Transmission Related Investments
In January 2013, the AUC initiated a coordinated process to examine alternative approaches to mitigate or smooth the impact on consumers of rate increases, while still ensuring that regulated utilities have an opportunity to earn a fair return on invested capital (the “2013 Transmission Rates Initiative”).
AER Bulletin 2016-26: Manual 005: Pipeline Inspection Updated
On August 18, 2016, the AER announced the release of a new addition of the AER Manual 005: Pipeline Inspections (Manual 005).
AER Bulletin 2016-25: Second 2016/17 Orphan Fund Levy
In accordance with Part 11 of the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, the AER announced that it prescribed, by regulation, an orphan fund levy in the amount of $15 million.
AER Bulletin 2016-24: Issuance of Directive 085: Fluid Tailings management for Oil Sands Mining Project
The AER announced the release of Directive 085: Fluid Tailings Management for Oil Sands Mining Projects (“Directive 085”). Directive 085 sets out the requirements for managing fluid tailings for oil sands mining projects.
AER Bulletin 2016-21: Revision and Clarification on AER’s Measures to Limit Environmental Impacts Pending Regulatory Changes to Address the Redwater Decision
Download ReportBulletin – Liability Management Rating – Insolvency – Licensee Obligations In response to Redwater Energy Corporation (Re), 2016 ABQB 278 (the “Redwater Decision”) (discussed above), the AER issued a bulletin regarding interim measures to protect...
AER Bulletin 2016-20: Fort McMurray Wildfire – AER Recovery Phase Complete
On July 7, 2016 the AER announced that it had transitioned back to normal regulatory operating procedures following a period of actively monitoring operations in Fort McMurray.
AER Bulletin 2016-19: Reducing Failures of High-Level Shutdown Systems
Download ReportBulletin – Facilities – Checklist In this bulletin, the AER announced, in an attempt to reduce the number of failures of high-level shutdown systems (“HLSS”) at oil and gas production facilities, that it would introduce a checklist of best practices...
AER Bulletin 2016-18: Application Submission Requirements and Guidance for Reclamation Certificates for Well Sites and Associated Facilities
The AER announced the release of Specified Enactment Direction 002: Application Submission Requirements and Guidance for Reclamation Certificates for Well Sites and Associated Facilities (“SED 002”), effective June 21, 2016.
National Energy Board Establishes Joint Committee on Pipeline Safety with Industry Association
The NEB announced it had struck a Joint Committee on Issues of Mutual Interest for Federally Regulated Pipelines (the “Joint Committee”) with the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (“CEPA”). Senior leadership from both the NEB and CEPA will co-chair and participate in Joint Committee meetings.
Bulletin 2016-16: Licensee Eligibility – Alberta Energy Regulator Measures to Limit Environmental Impacts Pending Regulatory Changes to Address the Redwater Decision
Download ReportBulletin – Licensee Liability – Abandonment – Bankruptcy The AER made this announcement in response to the Alberta Court of Queen’s Bench decision in Redwater Energy Corporation (Re), 2016 ABQB 278. That decision involved a dispute between the receiver...
Bulletin 2016-15: 2016 AER Administration Fees (Industry Levy)
Download ReportLevy – Industry Fees – Bulletin The AER announced its industry levy in the amount of $238,403,000 for 2016-2017. The industry levy represents the revenue required to support AER operations, as approved by the Government of Alberta, and set out in the...
Bulletin 2016-14: Release of New Subsoil Salinity Tool Assessment Checklist
The AER announced that it had implemented a new process for accepting Subsoil Salinity Tool (“SST”) assessments for review, including the development of a new SST Assessment Checklist.
Bulletin 2016-13: Fort McMurray Wildfires – Resuming Operations
Download ReportEmergency Protocol – Bulletin The AER announced that it was advising operators planning to resume operations in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo after unplanned shutdowns, that all notification requirements for unplanned shutdowns remain in...
Notice: Hearing Cancellation and Suspension of Process for the Proposed Fort McMurray West 500-kilovolt Transmission Project
Download ReportNotice – Cancellation - Suspension The AUC announced that, due to the catastrophic wildfires in Fort McMurray, the hearing for Proceeding 21030 for the Fort McMurray West 500-kilovolt transmission project was cancelled. The AUC noted that it would be...
AER Bulletin 2016-12: Fort McMurray Wildfire – Emergency Protocol for Oil Sands Operators
The AER requested that operators contact the AER if they require information from the provincial operations centre (“POC”) regarding wildfires near Fort McMurray.
NEB Releases Confidential Disclosure (Whistleblower) Process
The NEB noted that the Whistleblower Procedure is an anonymous reporting tool for confidential communication with tipsters.
AER Bulletin 2016-11: Conditions in Alberta Energy Regulator Approvals Relating to Participation in the Cumulative Environmental Management Association
The AER announced changes relating to the operation of to the Cumulative Environmental Management Association (“CEMA”) as it relates to the obligations of approval holders under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (“EPEA”) and any terms and conditions granted under EPEA.
AER Bulletin 2016-10: Obligations of Licensees When in Insolvency or When Otherwise Ceasing Operations
The AER released Bulletin 2016-10 to remind its licensees of statutory responsibilities when ceasing operations, whether due to insolvency or other reasons.
AER Bulletin 2016-09: Alignment of Reclamation Application Process with Responsible Energy Development Act Statement of Concern Requirements
Download ReportReclamation Applications – Bulletin – Statement of Concern The AER announced that, effective immediately, it implemented changes to Section 8.0 (landowner contact requirements) of the 2010 Reclamation Criteria for Wellsites and Associated Facilities...
AUC Bulletin 2016-11: Rule 030: Compliance with the Code of Conduct Regulation
The AUC noted that the Code of Conduct Regulation came into effect on January 1, 2016, and as a result the AUC undertook a consultation with industry to develop a new code of conduct rule.
AUC Bulletin 2016-10: Practices regarding enforcement proceedings and amendments to AUC Rule 001: Rules of Practice
The AUC announced several proposed changes to AUC Rule 001: Rules of Practice (“Rule 1”), and a further outline related to enforcement proceedings commenced by the Market Surveillance Administrator (“MSA”).
AUC Bulletin 2016-09: Amendment of AUC Rule 016 Review of Commission Decisions
The AUC announced that, effective March 24, 2016, it had amended certain provisions of AUC Rule 016: Review of Commission Decisions (“Rule 16”).
AUC Bulletin 2016-08: Amendments to Rule 009: Rules on Local Intervener Costs and Rule 022: Rules on Costs in Utility Rate Proceedings
The AUC announced that it had completed a review of procedural requirements for Rule 009: Rules on Local Intervener Costs (“Rule 9”) and Rule 022: Rules on Costs in Utility Rate Proceedings (“Rule 22”), as well as the associated forms used to file cost claims.
AUC Bulletin 2016-07: Practice Advisory and Procedural Change – Expert Witness Qualification No Longer Required
The AUC released a bulletin advising of a procedural change concerning expert witnesses.
AUC Bulletin 2016-06: Notice of Consultation Process for Standardization of Confidential Undertaking
The AUC announced that it would make amendments to Section 13 of AUC Rule 001: Rules of Practice (“Rule 1”) to simplify and improve the processing of motions requesting confidential treatment of documents in AUC proceedings.
Energy Safety and Security Act Entered Into Force
Legislation – AmendmentThe Energy Safety and Security Act (“ESSA”) came into force on February 26, 2016. The ESSA amends the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act (“COGOA”) to provide the NEB with new tools to regulate northern oil and gas activities. The NEB provided the...
National Energy Board Pipeline Condition Compliance Tracker Released
Download ReportPipeline Conditions –Compliance The NEB, following up on the Commissioner of the Environment and Sustainable Development’s (“CESD”) recommendation that the NEB improve public access to information about company compliance with approval conditions,...
AUC Bulletin 2016-02: Revision of AUC Rule 007 Respecting Environmental Updates and Needs Identification Documents
Download ReportBulletin – Rule 007 Revisions The AUC released this bulletin as a follow-up to Bulletin 2015-14 in which the AUC identified a need to work with stakeholders to identify improvements and revisions to Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations,...
AUC Bulletin 2016-01: Revision of AUC Rule 027: Specified Penalties for Contravention of Reliability Standards
Download ReportBulletin – Rule 027 Revisions On January 26, 2016, the AUC released a bulletin advising that it approved amendments to AUC Rule 027: Specified Penalties for Contravention of Reliability Standards (“Rule 27”). The bulletin notes that the amendments...
Confirmation of the Transfer of Pipeline Records to Be Added to the Licence Transfer Application (Bulletin 2015-34)
The AER announced that it was amending its pipeline licence transfer application process to include a written confirmation that records required by CSA Z662: Oil and Gas Pipeline Systems (“CSA Z662”) and part 4 of the Pipeline Rules have been maintained by the seller (or transferor) and have been transferred to the purchaser (or transferee) of the licence.
Alliance Pipeline Ltd. Compliance Filing on Interruptible and Seasonal Bid Mechanics; Tenaska Marketing Canada Application for Modification to Alliance’s New Services Offering Tariff (
The NEB directed Alliance to re-file these matters on or before noon on February 1, 2016. Accordingly, the NEB directed Alliance to file an interim tariff and interim ATAP to reflect this decision as soon as possible.
Revision of AUC Rule 019: Specified Penalties for Contravention of ISO Rules (Bulletin 2015-18)
The AUC announced that it approved amendments to AUC Rule 019: Specified Penalties for Contravention of ISO Rules (“Rule 19”). The amendments became effective on December 7, 2015.
Changes to NEB electronic filing system
Download ReportAnnouncement - Electronic Filing System The NEB announced that, effective October 21, 2015, the NEB’s electronic filing system will be changed to automate the exhibit numbering process when filing documents.
Charges laid regarding October 2013 Apache Zama City Pipeline Spill (News Release 2015-18)
Download ReportNews Release – Pipeline Spill The AER announced that charges were laid under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (“EPEA”) and the Public Lands Act (“PLA”) against Apache Canada Ltd. (“Apache”) following an October 25, 2013 pipeline spill of...
Charges laid regarding October 2013 Obed Mountain Coal Mine Spill (News Release 2015-18)
Download ReportNews Release – Coal Mine Spill The AER announced that charges under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (“EPEA”) and the Public Lands Act (“PLA”) were laid against Sheritt International Corporation (“Sherritt”) and Coal Valley Resources...