30 June 2009
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 April to 30 June 2009.
Cat. No. NE12-4/2006-11E
ISSN 1494-7153
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
You may submit your application and other filings to the Board in one of three ways:
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.
| General Information: | Telephones: 403-292-4800 Faxes: 403-292-5503 |
| Publications Office: | Telephone: 403-299-3562 |
| 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 |
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"
The convergence of energy efficiency and conservation with renewable energy policies continued to be a strong trend in 2008 says the National Energy Board (NEB) in its Canadian Energy Overview 2008 - Energy Market Assessment report.
At the same time as the economy was grabbing much of the media's attention in the latter half of the year, the environment and the increasing momentum on climate change initiatives remained strong key influences on the Canadian energy sector.
Several provincial and federal policies aimed at energy demand were proposed early in 2008 including the expansion of clean energy and renewable energy strategies and new standards for consumer goods. A proposed design of a comprehensive regional cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gases was introduced by the Western Climate Initiative. By the end of 2008, all provinces had some legislation for climate change initiatives. Many of these new government programs and policies should impact consumer energy demand trends in the next few years as Canadians factor environmental costs into purchasing decisions.
"Going green" was also a common theme in electricity generation. Investment in wind power has increased the energy produced from this source by 265 per cent from 2004. In 2008, Canada produced enough electricity through wind to power 680,000 homes or about one per cent of Canada's total electricity demand. Canada's capacity rose by 34 per cent from 2007 levels making Canada 16th in the world for wind generating capacity.
Early in the year, the price of oil reached new highs only to fall dramatically at the halfway point. With natural gas, the drop in prices can be attributed primarily to the emergence of unconventional resource plays in the United States.
In this tolls and tariffs application filed by Enbridge Pipelines Inc. (Enbridge), the company was seeking approval for the toll principles as found in its Transportation Service Agreement, and for the resulting tolls to be charged for transportation services on its only westbound Canadian crude pipeline.
The Reasons for Decision were issued on 2 April 2009.
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.
Filed on 27 February 2009, the proposed project involves a crude oil line that would run from Alberta to markets in the Gulf Coast area of the United States (U.S.). The Canadian portion of the Keystone XL pipeline extends from Hardisty, Alberta to the Canada/U.S. border at Monchy, Saskatchewan. The Canadian portion would consist of constructing and operating approximately 525 kilometre (km) of pipeline and related facilities, including pump stations, tanks, and other related works and activities.
With an in service date of 2012, the pipeline would have an initial capacity of approximately 700,000 barrels per day and is designed to be expandable to 900,000 barrels per day.
The three-day hearing is set to start on 15 September 2009 at 9:00 a.m., in the Board's hearing room located on the second floor of 444 Seventh Avenue S.W., Calgary, Alberta.
NGTL is requesting approval for a certificate to construct and operate the Groundbirch Pipeline, which would connect the TransCanada Alberta System to a source of sweet natural gas supply from northeast British Columbia. Approximately 77 km in length, the pipeline is proposed to extend from a new interconnection on the Gordondale Lateral to a new meter station in the Groundbirch area in northeast B.C. (approximately 37 km west-northwest of Dawson Creek). The pipeline would have the capability of transporting approximately 46.9 106m3 (1.66 billion cubic feet) of natural gas per day.
The hearing is scheduled to start in Dawson Creek on Tuesday, 17 November 2009.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A21251] were published on 26 February 2009.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A21378] were released on 19 March 2009.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A21407] were released on 26 March 2009.
This proceeding involved a written process which took place in October 2008.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A21449] were published on 31 March 2009.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A20473] were published on 18 November 2008.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A19976] for this second detailed route proceeding were issued on 30 September 2008.
A compilation of the Reasons for Decision [Filing A18668] for this first detailed route proceeding was issued on 13 May 2008.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A19308] were issued on 17 July 2008.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A19709] were issued on 4 September 2008.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A18319] were issued on 15 April 2008.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A17787] were issued on 22 February 2008.
The Reasons for Decision [Filing A17747] were issued on 19 February 2008.
Certificate GC-112 / Section 45 - Application for approval of two proposed route adjustments (File OF-Fac-Gas-W102-2008-03 02)
No matter pending at this time.
Certificate OC-51 / Section 45 Application-County of Cypress Deviation (File OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2006-01 14)
Certificate OC-51 / Section 45 Application-Hardisty Gibson Deviation (File OF-Fac-Oil-T241-2006-01 14)
Certificate OC-51 / Section 45 Application-New Build Site Relocation
Certificate OC-54 / Spread 7 Saskatchewan (Files OF Fac-Oil-E101-2007-03 07 and OF Fac-Oil-E101-2007-03 08)
Certificate OC-54 / Portions of Spread 5 (File OF Fac-Oil-E101-2007-03 14 01)
Certificate OC-54 / Portions of Spreads 3 and 5 (Files OF Fac-Oil-E101-2007-03 10; OF Fac-Oil-E101-2007-03 11; OF Fac-Oil-E101-2007-03 12; and OF Fac-Oil-E101-2007-03 13)
Certificate OC-54 / Sections 44 and 45 of the Onshore Pipeline Regulations, 1999, for the Plains Midstream Connections (File OF-Fac-Oil-E101-2009-04 01)
No matter pending at this time.
No new application was received in April under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act.
One (1) new application was received in May under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. No applications were approved. The application is still under review.
No new application was received in June under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. One (1) application was approved.
No new application was received pursuant to or declaration made pursuant to the Canada Petroleum Resources Act for the period 1 April 2009 to 30 June 2009.
One (1) new application for geological, geophysical or geotechnical operation authorization was received in April. No applications were approved under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. Outstanding applications are being reviewed.
No new applications for geological, geophysical or geotechnical operation authorization were received in May. No applications were approved under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. Outstanding applications are being reviewed.
No new application for geological, geophysical or geotechnical operation authorization were received in June. No applications were approved under section 5(1)(b) of the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act. Outstanding applications are being reviewed.
No matter pending at this time.
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 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.
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.
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.
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. Awaiting Court Notice of a hearing date.
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.
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.
On 26 May 2009, the National Energy Board (NEB) approved the final report of the Land Matters Consultation Initiative (LMCI) and outlined an action plan for addressing concerns raised during the consultation process.
Some of the NEB actions include continuing the dialogue with industry and landowner representatives through regular meetings as a one-year pilot project, increasing the monitoring of company performance and providing further direction on expectations for company public involvement programs. The NEB will also increase its communication and outreach efforts in addition to improving accessibility in the public hearing process. NEB staff will begin work on the implementation of the action plan this summer.
The LMCI provided a forum for all interested parties and the NEB to discuss issues and generate options to support the long-term responsible development of the energy sector, while respecting the rights and interests of those affected. It was an extensive process that included the NEB hosting 45 meetings and workshops in 25 communities across Canada. Topics considered through the forum were divided into four streams:
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 |
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 |