Security

Summary

In April 2005, the National Energy Board Act was amended to include "security" within the Board's mandate, providing the Board with the clear statutory basis to regulate security of the energy infrastructure under its jurisdiction.

Proposed Regulatory Change (PRC) 2006-01 was released in May 2006, which outlined the proposed changes to the Onshore Pipeline Regulations, 1999 (OPR-99) and the Processing Plant Regulations (PPR) to address pipeline security management. (The changes came into effect on July 31, 2006, and were to remain in effect until the promulgation of the revised regulation(s).)

In May 2010, PRC 2010-01 (which replaced 2006-01) was released and set out the Board's expectations that companies shall develop, document, implement and maintain a security program that is in accordance with CSA Z246.1-09. (The effective date for PRC 2010-01 is April 1, 2011, and will remain in effect until the promulgation of the revised regulation(s).)

Background

CSA Z246.1-09 is based on the premise that security risks are managed using a risk-based approach to provide a framework to protect ener's petroleum and natural gas industry systems. The Standard includes criteria for establishing a security management program to ensure security threats and associated risks are identified and managed. It also provides mitigation and response processes and procedures to prevent and minimize the impact of security incidents that could adversely affect people, the environment, assets, and economic stability.

While the requirements of the Standard are applicable to all regulated companies regardless of their size, the Board recognizes that a security program will vary depending on factors such as type, size, location and criticality of the assets being protected. CSA Z246.1-09 was developed to be scalable, ensuring it may be used by small operators as well as large companies. The CSA standard is also performance based, allowing companies to base their security management decisions on risk.

To ensure appropriate regulatory oversight throughout a project lifecycle, the Board's staff conducts on-going compliance verification activities (e.g. meetings, site visits / inspections, etc.) with a selection of pipeline companies to monitor their progress in developing their security programs. The NEB also holds regular discussions with industry and other federal and provincial departments in regard to security issues and the consistent application of regulatory initiatives.

• Pipeline Security Management
• International Power Line Security Management
• Reference Material and Links
• NEB Security Advisories