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Roland George
Roland George joined the NEB in August 2006 along with four other new Board members. He brought 25 years of experience in the private sector to his appointment, including positions with an international energy consulting firm, the Canadian Energy Research Institute and Gaz Métropolitain. As an NEB Board member, Roland is charged with finding a balance of economic, environmental and social interests when rendering a decision about proposed energy projects. When he joined the Board, Roland had reached a point in his career when he wanted to serve the public interest by applying his years of experience to the regulatory process.
What is your most memorable work experience at the NEB?
On my first day with the Board, you could say I jumped in with both feet as I immediately sat as a member of the panel hearing the Trans Mountain Anchor Loop Project Application made in February 2006. It was an interesting and challenging assignment because the proposed pipeline would go through Jasper National Park and Mount Robson Provincial Park. We had to take into account complex environmental and socio-economic impacts of the facility. What stands out in my memory is the talent and expertise that my colleagues brought to the hearing – their ability to discuss all aspects of the project and come up with a unified approach despite quite different backgrounds and perspectives. I still have the front cover of the "Reasons for Decision," signed by fellow panel members and staffers, posted on my wall.
What is your fondest memory of the NEB?
It's really the ongoing experience of learning and working on challenging situations where you deal with imperfect information and risks which must be mitigated. It's also inspiring to work with smart, well-educated people who are striving to achieve a balance that serves all Canadians.
Of the projects you have worked on, what had the most impact on Canadians?
In February 2009 we rendered the TransCanada Alberta System jurisdiction decision. The Alberta System consists of more than 23,500 kilometres of pipeline and associated facilities, all located within Alberta. Although the pipeline does not cross the provincial border, we decided that that system falls within the NEB's authority because it is part of TransCanada's extensive, federally-regulated system. This landmark decision increased the length of pipelines under the NEB's jurisdiction by 50 percent.
Another potentially significant decision may affect how the total cost of capital is assessed for companies under our jurisdiction. For the past 14 years, cost of capital has been determined by a formula. As a result of an application from Trans Québec & Maritimes Pipeline (TQM), we rendered a decision that departs from this methodology for TQM in 2007 and 2008 and recognizes the changes that have occurred in the economy over the past several years. It's too early to tell if this decision, which was very specific to TQM, will be applied to other regulated companies. Since then the Board has abandoned its formulaic approach.
The Board also developed a new approach to working with landowners affected by facilities being built on their land. For many years, we did not see much intervention from landowners and assumed that everything was mostly alright. A few years ago, we started a new outreach program and, as staff met with interested parties, the Board came to realize that landowners weren't necessarily aware of their rights. So in 2007 we launched the Land Matters Consultation Initiative with landowners. As a result of this process, we have been able to identify issues and propose remedies.
I believe that this consultation process is extremely important because one of the most significant powers of the Board is the ability to expropriate land rights. We take this power very seriously and strive to ensure that such decisions are always made in the public interest while minimizing to the extent possible the impact on those directly affected.
Who among your colleagues at the NEB has most influenced you?
Gaétan Caron is probably the individual that has influenced me the most. He came up through the ranks to become the Chair. He started as an engineer and over a 29-year period moved on to become Chief Operating Officer, Board member, Vice-Chair, and now, Chair. He really understands the purpose and history of the Board, and like the rest of us, he's very committed to public service and ensuring that the Board makes decisions in the public interest.
Is there anything you would like to say to today's NEB staff?
I couldn't do my job without them. It's a pleasure and an inspiration to work with such dedicated, professional people.
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