National Energy Board Coat of Arms
Symbol of the Government of Canada

National Energy Board

www.neb-one.gc.ca

Breadcrumb

Home > Reports > Regulatory Agenda > Regulatory Agenda - April, May and June 2007

Regulatory Agenda - April, May and June 2007

30 June 2007

The NEB is an active, effective and knowledgeable partner
in the responsible development of Canada's energy sector
for the benefit of Canadians.

This issue of the Regulatory Agenda covers the period from April till the end of June 2007.

ISSN 1494-7153

Instructions for Filing

Correspondence

All correspondence should be addressed to:

Secretary
National Energy Board
444 Seventh Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0X8
Fax: 403-292-5503
Fax (toll free): 1-877-288-8803

Applications and other filings, number of copies to be filed

You may submit your application and other filings to the Board in one of three ways:

  1. Electronically: From the National Energy Board Web site, click on View or Submit a Regulatory Document, scroll down to the option entitled Submit documents electronically. One (1) copy of your signed original document(s) and a printed copy of your efiled receipt must also be mailed (see address above); or
  2. Fax one (1) copy of your signed documents (see number above); or
  3. Mail one (1) copy of your signed documents (see address above). In the case of an application, twenty-five (25) copies of your signed documents must also be mailed.

Additional information on filings

Filings and types of documents that can be filed electronically and creating PDF documents: see Filer’s Guide to Electronic Submission [PDF 529 KB].

Applying electronically to participate in a hearing using on-line forms: see Submit documents electronically.

Templates providing alternative ways to file your documents and assistance with the provision of multiple copies due to undue financial burden: see Alternative Ways to File Your Documents.

Communication Numbers

General Information:

Telephones: 403-292-4800
Toll Free 1-800-899-1265

Faxes: 403-292-5503
Toll Free 1-877-288-8803
Publications Office:

Telephone: 403-299-3562
Fax: 403-292-5576
Email: publications@neb-one.gc.ca
Web Site: www.neb-one.gc.ca
For information: Carole Léger-Kubeczek (carole.leger-kubeczek@neb-one.gc.ca)
Communications Officer
Telephone: 403-299-2717
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-899-1265

Preface

The purpose of this agenda is to provide information on the Board's activities. Except where otherwise noted, jurisdiction over the items in the agenda is exercised pursuant to the National Energy Board Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. N-7, as amended.

"We promote Safety and Security, Environmental Protection
and Efficient Energy Infrastructure and Markets"

NEB Moves Forward

Retirement in sight for NEB Chairman

Kenneth Vollman, chairman of the National Energy Board, will retire in June after more than three decades working his way up the ranks and eventually reaching the top position in 1998. An engineer by training, Vollman joined the NEB in 1973. His retirement is effective June 2.

Mr. Vollman wrote in a farewell letter to staff that he took pride in seeking ways to shift away from prescription-based regulations that don't necessarily apply to many projects. When undertaking a project assessment, he always pushed for information gathering initiatives, such as extensive engagement with the people who stand to be affected by the proposal.

During his tenure as chairman, the NEB approved and set conditions on such major projects as the Sable offshore energy project on the East Coast and the Alliance natural gas pipeline to Chicago from northeast British Columbia.

As part of his legacy, Mr. Vollman's contribution to the proposed Mackenzie Gas Pipeline Project as panel chair is considerable. On 27 June, he was reappointed by the Government of Canada as temporary member for the purpose of allowing him to continue to serve on the NEB Mackenzie Gas Pipeline project examination of the potential environmental and socio-economic aspects.

Public Hearing Applications

Hearing Decisions Issued

1. Emera Brunswick Pipeline Company Ltd. (EBPC) - Brunswick Pipeline Project - GH-1-2006 (File PA-MNP 2006-001)

EBPC is proposing to build a 145 kilometre pipeline with a 762 millimetre diameter from the Canaport™ Liquefied Natural Gas Facility at Mispec Point in Saint John, New Brunswick to a point on the international border near St. Stephen, New Brunswick. The Reasons for Decision were released on 23 May 2007.

2. Enbridge Pipelines (Westpur) Inc. (Enbridge) - Proposed Alida to Cromer Capacity Expansion (ACCE) Project - OH-2-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-E103-2006-03 01)

The ACCE Project will consist of the construction of a 60 kilometre, 168.3 millimetre (mm) OD pipeline to transport natural gas liquids (NGL) from Alida, Saskatchewan to Cromer, Manitoba. Once this new pipeline is commissioned, an existing and adjacent 323.9 mm OD Westspur pipeline from Alida to Cromer will be converted to transport crude oil rather than the NGL it currently transports. The estimated capital cost of the ACCE project is approximately $12 to $14 million. The Reasons for Decision were released on 28 June 2007.

Hearings in Progress

1. Imperial Oil Resources Ventures Limited (Imperial), Mackenzie Valley Aboriginal Pipeline Limited Partnership, ConocoPhillips (North) Limited, Shell Canada Limited and ExxonMobil Canada Properties - Mackenzie Gas Project - GH-1-2004 (Files 3200-J205-1, 2520-C-19-4, 2620-C-19-7, 2620-C-12-7 and 2620-C-20-7)

On 8 October 2004, the Board received applications for approval to construct and operate a natural gas pipeline and related facilities through the Mackenzie Valley in Canada's Northwest Territories to an interconnect point just south of the NWT/Alberta border. The 762 millimetre (30-inch) natural gas transmission pipeline would transport 34 million cubic metres (1.2 billion cubic feet) per day of natural gas from the Arctic to the south. The capital cost is estimated at over 16.2 billion dollars.

2. TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP Ltd. (Keystone) - Proposed Keystone Pipeline Project - OH-1-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2006-01 02)

On 12 December 2006, TransCanada submitted an application to construct and operate the Canadian portion of the Keystone Project which is a proposed crude oil line that would run from Alberta to markets in Illinois. The Canadian portion of the line would extend from Hardisty, Alberta to a point near Haskett, Manitoba. The capital cost is estimated at approximately 664 million dollars.

3. TransCanada PipeL ines Limited (TransCanada) - Gros Cacouna Receipt Point Application - RH-1-2007 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T211-2006-10 01)

On 5 December 2006, TransCanada applied to the NEB for approval of a new receipt point at Gros Cacouna in the province of Quebec for the receipt of regasified liquefied natural gas (LNG). TransCanada was also seeking affirmation of the tolling methodology that will apply to service from that point. A public oral hearing starting on 16 April 2007 was held in Quebec City.

4. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) - Proposed Alberta Clipper Project - OH-4-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2006-04 01)

On 30 October 2006, Enbridge filed a Preliminary Information Package (PIP) with the intent to initiate the environmental assessment process. The Alberta Clipper Pipeline Project consists of a proposed 1,590 km oil pipeline extending from Hardisty, Alberta to Superior, Wisconsin. If approved, the pipeline will have a nominal design capacity of 450,000 barrels per day. The proposed route for the Alberta Clipper Pipeline abuts the existing Enbridge right-of-way for most of its length, but approximately 65 km of new right-of-way that is not alongside and contiguous to an existing right-of-way will be required.

5. Enbridge Southern Lights GP Inc., on behalf of Engridge Southern Lights LP, and Engridge Pipelines Inc. (EPI) - Applications for Line 13 Transfer, Line 13 Reversal and Capacity Replacement for the Southern Lights Project - OH-3-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-E242-2007-01 01)

On 9 March 2007, the NEB received an application for the Southern Lights Project which consists of transferring EPI's Line 13 to ESL, remove it from southbound crude oil service and reverse the flow to transport diluent northbound from the Canada/US border near Gretna, Manitoba to Edmonton, and constructing a 286 kilometre light sour crude oil 508 millimetre pipeline from Cromer, Manitoba to the Canada/US border near Gretna, Manitoba.

6. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) - Line 9 Tolls and Tariff Application - RH-2-2007 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-E101-2007-02 01)

On 11 April 2007, the NEB received an application from Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) to change the transportation tolls and tariffs on its only westbound Canadian pipeline. The hearing is scheduled to begin 24 September 2007.

New Facility Application

1. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) - Line 4 Expansion Project - OH-5-2007 (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2007-02 02)

On 28 June 2007, Enbridge applied to the NEB for permission to extend its highest capacity line by 180 kilometres. If approved, Enbridge plans to connect three existing, but currently unused, segments of 48-inch diameter pipe with 137.6 kilometres of new 36-inch diameter pipe, moving the origin of Line 4 from Hardisty, Alberta to the Enbridge terminal in Edmonton.

Past Hearing Decisions

1. TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) and TransCanada Keystone GP Ltd. (Keystone) - Transfer of certain pipeline facilities from TransCanada to Keystone - MH-1-2006 (File OF-Fac-G-T241-2006-01) (3400-T241-1)

Non Hearing Applications

Electricity Matters

Matter Completed

1. S.A.C. Energy GP, LLC., au nom de S.A.C. Energy Investments, L.P. (SACGP) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-S382 01)

On 27 February 2007, SACGP submitted a permit application to export upto 150 MW/1 314 GW.h of firm power and energy, per year for a period of ten years. Permit EPE-302 was approved on 16 May 2007.

Matters pending

2. Yudinn Energy Inc. (YEI) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-IE-Elec-Y007-01, antérieurement 6200-Y007-1)

On 29 March 2006, Yudinn submitted a permit application to export up to 204 MW/894 GW.h of firm power and energy per year, for a period of 25 years. This electricity was to be exported from a YEI proposed wind farm located in the Brisay area of Quebec.

3. Beyond Energy & Trade Inc. (BETI) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-B239 01)

On 27 February 2007, BETI submitted a permit application to export up to 1 000 MW/8 760 GW.h of firm power and energy and up to 8 760 GW.h of interruptible energy, combined per year for a period of ten years. As amended by the applicant, permit and contract erms were reduced, from 20 years each, to 10 years and 5 years respectively.

4. Brookfield Energy Marketing Inc. (BEMI) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-B106-2007-01 01)

On 5 April 2007, BEMI submitted a permit application to export up to 2 000 MW/8 760 GW.h of firm power and energy, and up to 17 520 GW.h of interruptible energy, combined per year for a period of ten years. As amended by the applicant, permit and contract terms were reduced from 30 years to 10 years respectively.

5. Citigroup Energy Canada ULC (Citigroup) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-C917-2007-01 01)

On 27 April 2007, Citigroup submitted a permit application to export up to 960 MW/8 409 600 MW.h of firm power and energy and 2 102 400 MW.h of interruptible energy, per year for a period of ten years.

6. FB Energy Canada Corp. (FBECC) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-F141-2007-01 01)

On 3 May 2007, FBECC submitted a permit application to export up to 1 000 MW/8 760 GW.h of firm power and energy and 8 760 GW.h of interruptible energy, per year for a period of ten years.

7. Tenaska Power Canada (TPC) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-T247 01)

On 8 May 2007, TPC submitted a permit application to export up to 150 MW and 1 314 000 MW.h of firm power and energy, and 350 MW and 3 066 000 MW.h of interruptible power and energy, per year for a period of ten years.

8. DC Energy LLC (DCE) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-D154 01)

On 25 May 2007, DCE submitted a permit application to export up to 500 MW and 4 380 GW.h of firm power and energy, and 4 380 GW.h of interruptible energy, combined per year for a period of ten years.

9. 2001 RBCP Canadian GP Limited (2001 RBCP), applying on behalf of RBC Energy Services LP - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-R151 01)

On 8 June 2007, 2001 RBCP submitted a permit application to export up to 500 MW/4 380 GW.h of firm power and energy and 4 380 GW.h of interruptible energy, combined per year for a period of ten years.

Gas Matters

Matters completed

1. Crescent Point Resources Ltd. et Devon Canada Corporation - Application by Crescent Point Resources Ltd. and Devon Canada Corporation for Variance of Orders XG-12-90 and XG-N150-6-2000 to Reflect Name Change and Transfer from Devon Canada Corporation to Crescent Point Resources Ltd. (File OF-FAC-G-C394-2006-02-01)

The Board has considered the application dated 17 May 2006 and subsequent filing dated 15 March 2007. Pursuant to Section 21 of the National Energy Board Act, the Board has approved the application and has issued the attached Amending Orders AO-02-XG-12-90 and AO-01-XG-N150-6-2000 which transfer the Orders to Crescent Point Resources Ltd. (Crescent Point) for the facilities described in Schedule A of each Order.

The Board reminds Crescent Point of the requirement under the Onshore Pipeline Regulations 1999 (OPR-99) to develop and submit to the Board three copies of its Emergency Procedures Manual for the facilities

Amending Orders were issued on 18 April 2007.

2. TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) - Application for Leave to Transfer Ownership of the B.C. System and Related Approvals (File OF-FAC-GAS-F111-2006-0101)

On 21 December 2006, an application was filed by TransCanada, Foothills and Foothills South (jointly the Applicants) relating to the transfer of B.C. System facilities. An amended decision was issued on 23 April 2007.

3. TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) Foothills Pipe Lines' Alaska Highway Pipeline Project (AHPP) - Approval of Amendment to Plans, Profiles and Book of Reference (PPBoR) (File OF-Fac-Gas-F112-2007-01 01)

On 2 May 2007, the Board approved the Plans and Profiles 2-02-02-02-PP-0062 (Revision 2) and Book of Reference 2-02-02-00-BR-0062 (Revision 2) as submitted by TransCanada.

4. Spectra Energy Midstream Canada Partner Corporation - Request to vary Board orders XG-N62-5-96, XG-Z007-03-2005, XG-D66-56-99, XG-Z007-15-2004 et XG-D028-83-2001 to reflect name change to Spectra Energy Midstream Canada Corporation (File OF-Fac-Gas-S383-2007-01 01)

The National Energy Board considered the above-referenced application and subsequent filings dated 15, 28, 29 March and 27 April 2007 pursuant to Section 21 of the National Energy Board Act. On 4 May 2007, the Board approved the name change and issued Amending Orders accordingly.

  • Application - 15 March 2007 [Filing A15046]
  • Application - 28 March 2007 [Filing A15122]
  • NEB decision: Amending Orders AO-3-XG-N62-5-96, AO-3-XG-Z007-03-2005, AO-3-XG-D66-56-99, AO-1-XG-Z007-15-2004 et AO-1-XG-D028-83-2001 [Filing A15437]

5. Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast) - Section 44, Onshore Pipeline Regulations 1999, Clark Compressor Unit (File OF-Fac-Gas-W102-2007-02 01)

On 18 May 2007, Westcoast filed an application pursuant to section 44 of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations 1999, to deactivate the Clark compressor unit at CS-2 near Willow Flats, BC. The Clark unit is the oldest of the compressor units at CS-2 and is time consuming and costly to maintain. Westcoast estimates that the other three (3) compressor units can provide the compression required at CS-2. The deactivation work is scheduled to occur during a station outage in the last three weeks of August 2007.

6. Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast) - Kwoen Plant Expansion (File OF-Fac-Gas-W102-2006-04 01 (3400-W005-360)

The National Energy Board, having considered the above-referenced application, has issued Order  -W005-01-2007 granting Leave to Open the Kwoen Plan Expansion project.

7. Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast) - Section 44 Onshore Pipeline Regulations 1999 (File OF-Fac-Gas-W102-2007-03-01)

On 31 May 2007, Westcoast submitted an application pursuant to Section 44 of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations, 1999 for the deactivation of the 10.75" OD Rigel (East) Pipeline - MP 0.0 to MP 4.5. The application was approved on 20 June 2007 and further directed Westcoast to serve a copy of the Board's letter and the Order on all parties on the company's Section 58 Interested Parties list.

8. Alliance Pipeline Ltd. (Alliance) - West Doe Meter Station and Interconnecting Piping - BC12 Receipt Point (File OF-Fac-Gas-A159-2007-03 01)

On 7 June 2007, Alliance filed an application under section 58 of the NEB Act to construct a new meter station and associated lateral interconnecting piping in the Peace River District of northeastern British Columbia. More particularly, the facilities would be situated on private land approximately 20 kilometres north of Dawson Creek. This planned new receipt point has been designated as BC12 or West Doe, and will accommodate natural gas receipts from a nearby gas plant operated by Spectra Energy Midstream.

In its letter dated 22 June 2007, the Board indicated that comments from interested parties with respect to the potential impacts on receipt capacity and other service on the Alliance System in northeastern British Columbia should be sought prior to the Board coming to a decision on the application. The Board directs Alliance to notify all interested parties that they have an opportunity to provide comment through the written process.

Pipeline Matters

Matters completed

1. Terasen Pipelines (Trans Mountain) Inc. (Terasen) -Trans Mountain Pump Station (ACP) - Application for leave to open and increase the Maximum Operating Pressure (MOP) of the Mainline Section Between Kingsvale Pump Station to Juliet Creek Valve (Mainline Section); and Terasen's Request for Variance, Condition 12 of Order XO-T099-15-2005 (File AFP-TTM 2005-001 (3400-T099-13)

On 25 April 2007, Terasen filed an application regarding Order XO-T009-15-2005, dated 9 November 2005, which granted an exemption from the requirements of section 47 of the NEB Act for the TMPSE Project facilities, with the exception of the increase in MOP for the Mainline Section at the increased, point-specific maximum operating pressures specified in Terasen's application.

2. Terasen Pipelines (Trans Mountain) Inc. - Application for Approval of the Plans, Profiles and Books of References (PPBoRs) - TMX Anchor Loop Project (File OF-Fac-Oil-T099-2006-01 02)

On 12 April 2007, the Board received an application submitted by Terasen Pipeline (Trans Mountain) Inc. requesting approval of the Plans, Profiles and Books of References (PPBoRs). The Board approved the PPBoRs after noting that there had been no written statements of opposition to the proposed detailed route.

3. Terasen Inc. (Terasen) - Application for the Blue Pump Station (File OF-Fac-Oil-T099-2007-01 01)

On 27 April 2007, the Board had for consideration Terasen's application and subsequent filings with regards to the Blue Pump Station project. In addition to approving the project, the Board also granted Terasen's request for an exemption from the provisions of sections 30(1)(a), 31 and 47 of the NEB Act for the project.

Frontier Matters

Frontier Matters (CPRA Related)

Matters Pending

1. Devon Canada Corporation

On 24 April 2007, Devon filed an application for a Declaration of a Significant Discovery pursuant to section 28 of the Canada Petroleum Resources Act in respect to the Devon Paktoa C-60(A) well and Exploration License 420 for 53 sections.

2. Chevron Canada Limited

On 19 June 2007, Chevron filed an application for a Declaration of a Significant Discovery pursuant to section 28 of the Canada Petroleum Resources Act in respect to the Chevron et al Ellice I-48 well and Exploration License 427 for three sections.

Frontier Matters - Geological and Geophysical Activities

1. Frontier activities for April 2007

One (1) new applications for geological, geophysical or geotechnical operation authorization were received in April. Outstanding applications are being reviewed.

2. Frontier activities for May 2007

Two (2) new applications for geological, geophysical or geotechnical operation authorization were received in May. Outstanding applications are being reviewed.

3. Frontier activities for June 2007

One (1) new applications for a geological, geophysical or geotechnical operation authorization were received in June. One (1) application was approved pursuant to section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. Outstanding applications are being reviewed.

Company Area Program Identifier Date
BG International Limited Colville Hills 9224-B245-001E 19 June 2007

Frontier Matters - Drilling

1. Frontier activities for April 2007

No new application was received in April under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.

2. Frontier activities for May 2007

No new application was received in May under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.

3. Frontier activities for June 2007

No new application was received in June under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.

Traffic, Tolls and Tariffs Matters

Matters Completed

1. Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc. (TNPI) - Application of Final Tolls for 2007 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T217-2007-01 01)

On 29 March 2007, the Board received an application from TNPI regarding the tolls contained in Trans-Northern's application as final tolls for 2007. Adjustments to billings for the year-to-date are to be made in accordance with the settlement.

2. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) - Line 9 Tolls and Tariff Application - RH-2-2007 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-E101-2007-02 01)

On 11 April 2007, the NEB received an application from Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) to change the transportation tolls and tariffs on its only westbound Canadian pipeline. The hearing is scheduled to begin on 24 September 2007.

3. Terasen Pipelines Mountain Pipeline Inc. (Trans Mountain)
A. 2006 to 2010 Incentive Toll Settlement, Application for 2007 Tolls
B. Capacity Allocation Procedure and Westridge Dock Bid Premium
(Files OF-Tolls-Group1-T099-2006-01 01 and OF-Tolls-Group1-T099-2007-01 01)

4. TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) - Application for approval of a multi-year Negotiated Settlement and 2007 Mainline Tolls (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T211-2007-05 01)

5. Terasen Pipelines (TransMountain) Inc. (Terasen) - Approval of Final Tolls for 2007 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T099-2007-01 01)

Appeal

Appeal Pending

1. Flint Hill Resources - Application for Leave to Appeal - RH-1-2005

Flint Hill Resources applied to the Federal Court of Appeal for leave to appeal the Board's decision of 28 April 2005 in which it approved two applications from Enbridge Pipelines Inc. to recover, in its Canadian pipeline tolls, US$20 million per year for five years related to the extension of service on the Spearhead Pipeline which runs from Chicago, Illinois to Cushing, Oklahoma and an initiative by Mobil Pipe Line Company to reverse the flow of its pipeline which runs from Patoka, Illinois to Corsicana, Texas.

Energy Matters

Scheduled Energy Reports for 2007

  • 2006 Energy Overview in May;
  • Canadian Hydrocarbon Transportation System: Transportation Assessment in July;
  • Reporting of Electric Reliability Information by Canadian Entities in August;
  • Short-term Canadian Natural Gas Deliverability 2007-2009 in October; and
  • The Energy Futures in November.

Profile

The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several parts of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety and security, environmental protection, and efficient energy infrastructure and markets in the Canadian public interest, within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade.

Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada 2009 as represented by the National Energy Board

This document is published separately in both official languages. For further information, please contact:

Communications Team
National Energy Board
444 Seventh Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0X8
Telephone: 403-292-4800
Telephone toll free:
1-800-899-1265
Telecopier: 403-292-5503
Telecopier toll free :
1-877-288-8803

Sa Majesté la Reine du Chef du Canada 2009 représentée par l'Office national de l'énergie

Ce document est publié séparément dans les deux langues officielles. Pour plus de renseignements :

Équipe des communications
Office national de l'énergie
444, Septième Avenue S.-O.
Calgary (Alberta) T2P 0X8
Téléphone : 403-292-4800
Téléphone (sans frais) :
1-800-899-1265
Télécopieur : 403-292-5503
Télécopieur (sans frais) :
1-877-288-8803

Footer

Date Modified:
2012-02-03