National Energy Board
Symbol of the Government of Canada
Skip to content | Skip to institutional links

Common menu bar links

Home > Reports > Regulatory Agenda > Regulatory Agenda - October, November and December 2008

Institutional links

Regulatory Agenda - October, November and December 2008

31 December 2008

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 1 October to 31 December 2008.

Cat. No. NE12-4/2006-11E
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

NEB presents Canada's summer energy outlook

The National Energy Board (NEB) signed in December a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Environmental Assessment Office of British Columbia dealing with the environmental assessment of projects subject to the National Energy Board Act.

NEB Chair and CEO Gaétan Caron called this achievement another successful partnership for the NEB. "We're constantly seeking ways to improve the efficiency of our processes. This MOU with BC's Environmental Assessment Office will avoid duplication of our respective processes whenever an environmental assessment needs to be triggered."

The terms of this MOU will apply to NEB regulated transmission pipelines and electric transmission lines which extend beyond British Columbia's borders.

Public Hearing Applications

Hearing Decision Issued

1. Trans Mountain Pipeline Inc. (TMI) - Proposed Tariff No. 74, Capacity Allocation Procedures on TMX Anchor Loop - RH-4-2008 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T246-2008-02 0)

TMI is asking the NEB to approve the proposed Tariff No. 74, with the intent to modify the capacity allocation procedures on its oil pipeline system as a result of the TMX Anchor Loop Expansion Project.

Hearing decision issued on 10 October 2008.

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 - Proposed 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.

2. SemCAMS Redwillow ULC (SemCAMS) - Redwillow Pipeline Project - GH-2-2008 (File OF-Fac-Gas-S393-2007-01 04)

SemCAMS is proposing to construct and operate a 149.7 kilometre, 323.9 millimeter pipeline to gather 30 per cent dehydrated sour gas from the Grizzly Valley area southwest of Tumbler Ridge, B.C. into existing Alberta regulated gathering and processing facilities. The application was filed on 7 December 2007.

The oral public hearing is scheduled to start on Tuesday, 28 October 2008, at the Best Western Inn Dawson Creek, Dawson Creek, British Columbia.

3. Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipeline Inc. (TQM) - 2007 and 2008 Cost of Capital Application - RH-1-2008 (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T201-2007-03 01)

The application includes a request for the NEB to review its RH-2-94 Cost of Capital Decision released in March 1995, only as it applies to TQM. The NEB is also asked to issue an order approving an overall fair return on capital resulting from an ROE of 11.0 per cent applied to a deemed 40 per cent equity component of the company's capital structure. The calculation would also include TQM's actual cost of debt.

The oral public is scheduled to start on 23 September 2008 at Hotel Le Windsor in Montreal, Quebec.

4. Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast) - South Peace Pipeline Project - GH-3-2008 (File OF-Fac-Gas-W102-2008-03 01)

Westcoast is requesting permission to construct and operate the South Peace Pipeline Project, which is estimated to have a value of approximately $95-million. The proposed Project consists of an 89.5 km extension to Westcoast's existing raw gas gathering system near Fort St. John, British Columbia. The new pipeline would carry gas from the "South Peace Area" south of Fort St. John and the Peace River area, and would connect to Westcoast's existing McMahon processing plant, in Taylor, British Columbia.

The public oral hearing was held in August 2008 in Dawson Creek, B.C.

5. TransCanada PipeLines Ltd. (TransCanada) - TransCanada Alberta System Application - GH-5-2008 (File OF-Fac-Gas-T211-2008-01 01)

On 17 June 2008, the NEB was asked to declare that the TransCanada Alberta System does indeed fall under federal jurisdiction and to issue a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to that effect.

The oral part of the hearing was held on 18 November 2008 in the NEB's hearing room.

6. Yukon Pipelines Limited / Abandonment Order Review - MHW-R-1-2008 (File OF-Fac-Oil-Y016-1995-01 02)

This is a written process, which started on 2 October 2008.

New Facility Application

No new applications to report for this quarter.

Past Hearing Decisions - 2008

1. Emera Brunswick Pipeline Company Ltd. (EBPC) - Brunswick Pipeline Project / Detailed Route / Galbraith Hearing - MH-1-2008 (File OF-Fac-Gas-E236-2006-01 04)

Objections to the second detailed route proposal submitted by EBPC were considered during a hearing held in Saint John, New Brunswick, on 9 July 2008.

The Reasons for Decision [Filing A19976] were issued in September 2008.

2. TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP Limited (Keystone) - Keystone Cushing Expansion Application - OH-1-2008 (Files OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2007-01 01 and OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2006-01 02)

The Reasons for Decision [Filing A19308] were issued on 17 July 2008.

3. Repsol Energy Canada Ltd. (Repsol) - Long-term licence to import liquefied natural gas and Long-term licence to export natural gas (File OF-EI-Gas-GL-R153 01)

The Reasons for Decision [Filing A19709] were issued on 4 September 2008.

4. Emera Brunswick Pipeline Company Ltd. (EBPC) - Brunswick Pipeline Project / Detailed Route Hearing - MH-3-2007 (File PA-MNP 2006-001)

A compilation of the Reasons for Decision [Filing A18668] were issued on 13 May 2008.

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

The Reasons for Decision [Filing A18319] were issued on 15 April 2008.

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

The Reasons for Decision [Filing A17787] were issued on 22 February 2008.

7. 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)

The Reasons for Decision [Filing A17747] were issued on 19 February 2008.

Non Hearing Applications

Electricity Matters

Matters Completed

1. FPL Energy Power Marketing Inc. (FPL) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File 4OF-EI-Elec-F142 401)

2. Nova Scotia Power Inc. (NSPI) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File 4OF-EI-Elec-N093 401)

3. Green Tech Finance Inc. (Green Tech) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File 4OF-EI-Elec-G241 401)

Permit applications pending

4. Powerex Corp. (Powerex) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-P340 01)

5. Marketing d'énergie HQ Inc. (MEHQI) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-M132 01)

6. British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority (BCHPA) and British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC) - jointly - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-B240-2008-01 01)

7. Nalcor Energy (Nalcor) - Electricity Export Permit Application (File OF-EI-Elec-N306 01)

Gas Matters

Matters Completed

1. Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) - Variance of ten Board Orders to reflect new ownership (File OF-Fac-Gas-C298-2008-01 01)

2. Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast) / Application for Leave to Open the Grizzly Loop Pipeline Section (File OF-Fac-Gas-W102-2007 09 01)

3. ARC Resources Ltd. / Application for Leave to Open the Saddle Hills Pipeline Loop (File OF-Fac-Gas-A083-2008-01 01)

4. Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast) / Application requesting leave to sell the southern portion of the South Clarke Lake Pipeline to Petro-Canada Oil and Gas and amend Order XG-6-77 to reflect the sale pending approval by the Board (File OF-Fac-Gas-W102-2008-06 01)

5. Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy Transmission (Westcoast) / Application to reactivate the North Shelkilie Pipeline (File OF-Fac-Gas-W102-2008-07 01)

6. EnCana Corportation (EnCana) / Deep Panuke Offshore Gas Development Project - Application seeking approval of the Plan, Profile and Book of Reference (File OF-Fac-Gas-E112-2006-02 03)

7. Emera Brunswick Pipeline Company Ltd. (EBPC) / Brunswick Pipeline Project - Application for partial leave to open (File OF-Fac-Gas-E236-2006-01 02)

Matter Pending

No matter pending at this time.

Pipeline Matters

Matters completed

1. Kinder Morgan Canada (KMC) - Section 47 Application for Leave to Open a portion of the TMX Anchor Loop Project (File OF-Fac-Oil-T099-01 (OC-49))

2. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) / Southern Lights Pipeline - Approval of the Plans, Profiles & Book of Reference for certain portions of the project (File OF-Fac-Oil-E242-2007-01 01)

Files OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2007-03-ROE 01 and OF-Fac-Oil-E242-2007-01-ROE 01

3. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) / Alberta Clipper Pipeline (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2007-0306)

4. Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge) /Line 4 Extension Project (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2007-02 02)

5. TransCanada Keystone Pipeline LP (Keystone) / Keystone Pipeline Project - Applications for Approval of a Plan, Profile and Book of Reference

File OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2006-01 10

File OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2006-01 04

6. TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP LTD (Keystone) / Keystone Pipeline Project - Application for Approval of a Plan, Profile and Book of Reference (File OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2006-01 04)

7. TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP LTD (Keystone) / Keystone Pipeline Project - Application for Approval of a Plan, Profile and Book of Reference (File OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2006-01 12)

8. BP Canada Energy Company (BP) / Application for leave to deactivate approximately 2.5 kilometres of pipeline that runs between the Windsor Terminal in Windsor, Ontario to the United States of America border under the Detroit River (File OF-Fac-Oil-D128-2008-02 01)

Matter Pending

No matter pending at this time.

Frontier Matters

Frontier Matters - Drilling Activities

1. Frontier activities for October 2008

No new application was received in October under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. All other applications are still under review.

2. Frontier activities for November 2008

Two (2) new applications were received in November under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. All other applications are still under review.

3. Frontier activities for December 2008

No new application was received in December under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. Two (2) applications were approved.

  • MGM Energy Corp. was given "Approval to Drill a Well" for the well MGM et al North Ellice J-17 pursuant to section 83 of the Canada Oil and Gas Drilling Regulations on 10 December 2008.
  • MGM Energy Corp. was given "Approval to Drill a Well" for the well MGM et al Ellice J-27 pursuant to section 83 of the Canada Oil and Gas Drilling Regulations on 10 December 2008.

Frontier Matters (CPRA only)

Matters Completed

1. MGM Energy Corp.

On 6 November 2008, the Board made a Declaration of Significant Discovery, pursuant to the Canada Petroleum Resources Act Part III, Section 28 and the National Energy Board Act Part II.1, Subsection 28.2(4) for the MGM et al Nogha C-49 well in respect of those frontier lands comprising grid areas:

Latitude Longitude Sections
66o40' N 125o45'W 9, 10, 32, 55, 68, 69, 70
66o50' N 125o45'W 11, 32, 42, 43, 52, 53, 61, 62

2. MGM Energy Corp.

On 2 December 2008, the Board made a Declaration of Significant Discovery, pursuant to the Canada Petroleum Resources Act Part III, Section 28 and the National Energy Board Act Part II.1, Subsection 28.2(4) for the MGM et al Langley E-07 well in respect of those frontier lands comprising grid areas:

Latitude Longitude Sections
69o20' N 135o30'W 7, 17

Frontier Matters - Geological and Geophysical Activities

1. Frontier activities for October 2008

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

2. Frontier activities for November 2008

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

3. Frontier activities for December 2008

No new applications for a geological, geophysical or geotechnical operation authorization was received in December. One (1) application was approved pursuant to section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. Outstanding applications are being reviewed. Outstanding applications are being reviewed.

Company Area Program Identifier Date
ConocoPhillips Canada Resources Group Mackenzie Delta 5554129 18 December 2008

Traffic, Tolls and Tariffs Matters

Matters Completed

1. Westcoast Energy Inc., carrying on business as Spectra Energy / Application for Approval of 2008 to 2010 Transmission Toll Settlement (File OF-Tolls-Group1-W102-2008-03 01)

2. TransCanada PipeLines Limited (TransCanada) / 2009 Mainline Interim Tolls Application (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T211-2008-06-01)

3. Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipelines Inc. (TQM) / 2009 Interim Tolls Application (File OF-Tolls-Group1-T201-2008-01 01)

Matter Pending

No matter pending at this time.

Appeals

Appeals Pending

1. Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Swan Lake First nation, Fort Alexander First Nation, also know as "Sagkeeng First Nation", Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Peguis First Nation and Sandy Bay First Nation, known collectively as the Treaty One First Nations v. The Attorney General of Canada, National Energy Board, and TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP Ltd. (Ref. # T-225-08)

The Applicants, on 8 February 2008, applied for judicial review of the Crown's approval of the issuance by the National Energy Board of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP Ltd. authorizing the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline Project. Included in the relief sought is a declaration that the NEB must ensure that the Crown has properly consulted with and accommodated affected First Nations. The decision is pending.

2. Sweetgrass First Nation and Moosomin First Nation v. The National Energy Board, Enbridge Pipelines Inc. and Attorney General of Canada (Ref. # A-475-08)

The Applicants have filed, on 29 September 2008, Notice of Appeal of the decision of the Board to issue, subject to the approval of the Governor in Council, a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Alberta Clipper Expansion Project. Pleadings are being filed.

3. Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation v. TransCanada Keystone Pipeline GP Ltd., Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, and National Energy Board (Ref. # A-542-08)

Filed on 22 October 2008, this is Notice of Appeal of the decision of the Board to issue, subject to the approval of the Governor in Council, a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the TransCanada Keystone Pipeline Project. Pleadings are being filed.

4. Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nation v. Enbridge Southern Lights GP Inc. on behalf of Enbridge Southern Lights LP and Enbridge Pipelines Inc., National Energy Board, and Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (Ref. # A-541-08)

This Notice of Appeal, filed on 22 October 2008, is of the decision of the Board to issue, subject to the approval of the Governor in Council, a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Enbridge Southern Lights Project. Pleadings are being filed.

5. Standing Buffalo Dakota First Nations v. Enbridge Pipelines Inc., National Energy Board, and Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (Ref. # A-537-08)

Filed on 22 October 2008, this Notice of Appeal is of the decision of the Board to issue, subject to the approval of the Governor in Council, a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity for the Enbridge Alberta Clipper Expansion Project. Pleadings are being filed.

6. Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Swan Lake First nation, Fort Alexander First Nation, also know as "Sagkeeng First Nation", Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Peguis First Nation and Sandy Bay First Nation, known collectively as the Treaty One First Nations v. The Attorney General of Canada, National Energy Board, and Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Ref. # T-921-08)

The Applicants, on 9 June 2008, applied for judicial review of the Crown's approval of the issuance by the National Energy Board of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Enbridge Pipelines Inc. authorizing the Enbridge Southern Lights Project. Included in the relief sought is a declaration that the NEB must ensure that the Crown has properly consulted with and accommodated affected First Nations. Trial date is set for 16 January 2009.

7. Brokenhead Ojibway Nation, Long Plain First Nation, Swan Lake First Nation, Fort Alexander First Nation, also know as "Sagkeeng First Nation", Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation, Peguis First Nation and Sandy Bay First Nation, known collectively as the Treaty One First Nations v. The Attorney General of Canada, National Energy Board, and Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Ref. # T-925-08)

The Applicants applied, on 10 June 2008, for judicial review of the Crown's approval of the issuance by the National Energy Board of a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity to Enbridge Pipelines Inc. authorizing the Enbridge Alberta Clipper Expansion Project. Included in the relief sought is a declaration that the NEB must ensure that the Crown has properly consulted with and accommodated affected First Nations. Trial date is set for 16 January 2009.

Energy Matters

Recent and Upcoming NEB Publications

Recent Publications

Upcoming NEB Publications

  • Canadian Energy Demand: Passenger Transportation - Energy Briefing Note - January 2009
  • Energy Demand Management, Demand Response, Smart Grid and Small Distributed Generation - Energy Briefing Note - Spring 2009
  • Energy Infrastructure - Energy Market Assessment - Spring 2009
  • The Effects of LNG Imports on the Canadian Natural Gas Markets - Energy Market Assessment - Winter 2009
  • Energy Demand: Social Science in Energy Demand - Modeling Behaviour and Attitudes - Energy Briefing Note - Winter 2009
  • Industrial Energy Demand: Macro-Economics and Technology Highlights - Energy Briefing Note - Winter 2009

Past NEB Publications

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

 

Date Modified: 2010-07-23

Top of Page
Important Notices