“Today we are fulfilling the Government’s commitment to require five percent renewable fuel content in gasoline,” said the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment. “Regulating renewable fuel content in gasoline is just one of several steps the Government is taking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, which account for about a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions.”

“Support for renewable fuels is support for farmers, rural communities and our economy,” said Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz. “This is a vital step in generating new market opportunities for our farmers and maximizing Canada’s high quality resources to produce food and fuel for the world.”

“These regulations will help Canada reach our goal of becoming a clean energy leader,” said Christian Paradis, Minister of Natural Resources. “Our Government supports biofuels and other alternative fuels as part of our commitment to reducing Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent, from 2005 levels, by 2020.”

These regulations are one pillar of the Government’s broader Renewable Fuels Strategy. Canada will implement a requirement for two per cent renewable content in diesel fuel and heating oil, subject to successful demonstration of technical feasibility under the range of Canadian conditions, which would be put in place by an amendment to the Renewable Fuels Regulations.

When fully implemented, the Strategy’s two regulatory requirements combined with provincial regulations will ensure a total volume of renewable fuel that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to four megatonnes in 2012–about the equivalent of taking one million vehicles off the road.

These regulations are a key initiative in support of the Government of Canada’s commitment to reduce Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels by 2020. In addition, the Government of Canada is working with the U.S. towards common North American standards for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, and has recently published, draft regulations for vehicle tailpipe emissions under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act that are aligned with those of the U.S. Building on that successful collaboration, we will continue to work together to do the same for heavy-duty vehicles.

Related documents:

Renewable Fuels Strategy is reducing greenhouse gases and creating jobs
[Backgrounder - 2010-09-01]

Final Renewable Fuel Regulations

For more information, please contact:

Frédéric Baril
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of the Environment
819-997-1441

Media Relations
Environment Canada
819-934-8008
1-888-908-8008

Meagan Murdoch
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972

The Government of the Northwest Territories emphasizes its commitment to energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gases.

The Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance released its 2009 National Energy Efficiency Report Card on August 19, downgrading the Northwest Territories from a B+ in 2007 to a C. According to the report, the NWT follows the National Building Code of Canada, which fails in its energy efficiency objectives, particularly in northern climates. While no NWT building code exists, NWT building standards are beyond those of the National Building Code.

“GNWT buildings are required to meet energy efficiency requirements of the Federal EcoENERGY program for new buildings,” said Minister of Environment and Natural Resources J. Michael Miltenberger. “This program follows the same requirements as the discontinued Commercial Building Incentive Program (CBIP), and means all buildings must be 25% more energy efficient than a comparable building built to the minimum requirements of the National Building Code.”

The NWT Housing Corporation has developed its own brand, ecobuild80plus, to reflect its commitment to designing, building and retrofitting houses that meet or exceed EnerGuide 80. The corporation is in the process of developing enclosure designs that will exceed these standards.

Approximately half of all residences in the NWT are in the City of Yellowknife, which has energy efficiency standards for residential buildings. Effective January 1, 2011, a minimum score of 80 on the EnerGuide for New Houses rating system will be mandatory. The City of Yellowknife also requires that all commercial, institutional and industrial buildings comply with a minimum energy efficiency building standard that is 25% higher than the minimum requirements of the National Building Code.

“It is unfortunate the Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance didn’t take into account the code requirements we do follow for all GNWT buildings, NWT Housing Corporation buildings and buildings in the City of Yellowknife,” said Miltenberger. “We are committed to increasing the energy efficiency of all buildings across the Northwest Territories, and continue to work with other organizations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reduce the cost of living.”

The GNWT continues to support and maintain a range of energy efficiency programs and initiatives.

The Energy Efficiency Incentive Program is administered by the Arctic Energy Alliance and encourages residents and businesses to purchase energy efficient appliances to reduce their energy consumption and greenhouse gases. With the cancelation of the federal ecoEnergy retrofit program, the GNWT added rebates for residential insulation, doors, windows, and drain water heat recovery systems. This program has been in effect since 2007 and has provided over $1.4 million in rebates to NWT residents.

The Alternative Energy Technologies Program is available to assist Aboriginal and community governments, GNWT departments, boards and agencies, non-profit organizations, commercial businesses, including off-grid camps and lodges, and NWT residents, to install alternative energy systems to increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases.

The Energy Conservation Program was developed to help community-funded departments, boards and agencies, and non-profit organizations reduce their use of electrical and heat energy, and water. The program funds upgrades to existing lighting, heating, ventilation, water and electrical systems. These projects increase energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gases.

The 16th Legislative Assembly has taken bold steps to reduce waste, encourage the development of renewable energy, and implement energy efficiency initiatives and programs. Programs include the Beverage Container Program, the Single-Use Retail Bag Program, the Waste Paper Products Initiative, and numerous renewable energy pilot projects. A priority of this Assembly is to ensure the environment will sustain present and future generations. This commitment is supported by $60 million dedicated to renewable energy projects under the energy priority investment. This includes biomass, geothermal, hydro, wind, residual heat recovery, and other energy projects.

For more information, contact:

Megan Holsapple
Office of the Press Secretary
Premier & Executive Council
(867) 669-2302

Damage Prevention Regulations

Statutory authority

National Energy Board Act

Sponsoring agency

National Energy Board

REGULATORY IMPACT ANALYSIS STATEMENT

(This statement is not part of the Regulations.)

The proposed Damage Prevention Regulations (Regulations or DPR) are an amalgamation and modernization of two existing regulations under the National Energy Board Act (NEB Act): the National Energy Board Pipeline Crossing Regulations, Part I and the National Energy Board Pipeline Crossing Regulations, Part II (collectively the Pipeline Crossing Regulations).

The proposed Regulations would update requirements related to preventing damage to pipelines, providing for the protection of property and the environment, and the safety of the public and of the company’s employees. The proposed Regulations would apply to NEB-regulated pipeline companies (pipeline companies) and to any person planning or undertaking an activity with the potential to damage pipelines regulated by the National Energy Board (NEB).

Issue and objectives

Issue

Since the Pipeline Crossing Regulations came into effect in 1988, considerable work has been accomplished throughout the pipeline industry in the area of damage prevention. The Pipeline Crossing Regulations have become dated and no longer reflect current industry practice. Current approaches for effective damage prevention not included in the current regulations include active communication between companies, landowners and the excavating community, systematic monitoring of land use and activities, and continual evaluation and updating of practices.

Objectives

The NEB is committed to providing for the continued safe and reliable operation of Canada’s pipeline infrastructure. Regulations continue to be required to promote the safety of the public and NEB-regulated pipelines and the protection of property and the environment. Modernization of these regulations would contribute to an effective and efficient regulatory regime.

The proposed Regulations would improve effectiveness and clarity through amalgamation, alignment with current industry practice, inclusion of clear definitions and application of current regulatory drafting approaches and standards. Regulatory efficiency would also be improved through identification of activities that do not require leave under the NEB Act and inclusion of prescribed timelines related to locate requests.

Description and rationale

Damage to pipelines most commonly occurs through direct contact with the pipe during excavation activities and/or when a surface activity changes the load on a pipeline.

The proposed Regulations

• provide for the safety of the public, company employees and NEB-regulated pipelines;
• provide for the protection of property and the environment; and
• clarify the responsibilities of a pipeline company.

There are 10 main areas of change that would occur as a result of the proposed amalgamation and modernization:

1. The National Energy Board Pipeline Crossing Regulations, Part I and the National Energy Board Pipeline Crossing Regulations, Part II would be amalgamated and updated into the proposed Damage Prevention Regulations. The Pipeline Crossing Regulations would be repealed.

The proposed Regulations

2. are written in a goal-oriented style, which combines goal-based, performance-based and prescriptive elements, depending upon the circumstances;

3. include a definition of a safety zone (section 1);

4. would add new requirements related to ground disturbance (sections 7 and 8);

5. would require a pipeline company to be a member of a one-call centre, where one exists within a geographical area where its pipelines are located (section 3);

6. would require a pipeline company to have a damage prevention program (section 4);

7. would require a pipeline company to have an audit program (section 11);

8. would require a pipeline company to develop, implement and maintain standards for locating pipelines (sections 5 and 6);

9. specify the circumstances and conditions under which activities within the safety zone would not require leave of the NEB (sections 12, 13 and 16); and

10. include other updated requirements related to excavation, locate requests and timelines, markings, investigations, and reporting.

In developing the proposed Regulations, current regulatory drafting approaches and standards were applied and sections that were duplicative, were not consistent with the NEB Act or were covered by the NEB Act were removed.

Goal oriented

The proposed Regulations have been written in a goal-oriented style that includes prescriptive, goal-based and/or performance-based elements. Prescriptive regulation dictates the means by which compliance is achieved and may include what is to be done, by whom and how it is to be accomplished. Goal- or performance-based regulation sets regulatory goals or performance objectives to be achieved and allows companies to identify the means to meet them.

As an example, in the goal-based section 4, the proposed objective of the company’s damage prevention program is clearly stated as “anticipating and preventing damage to its pipeline.” In a more prescriptive style, paragraphs 4(a) through 4(d) list the elements of the program that would be required, such as ongoing public awareness, monitoring of land use and management of vehicles and mobile equipment across the pipeline. Using a combination of styles provides regulatory clarity while allowing a pipeline company the flexibility to develop a program that best suits its particular circumstances. The goal-oriented style also accommodates future advances in damage prevention and allows for the timely incorporation of best practices by a pipeline company.

Safety zone

The NEB Act restricts excavations with power-operated equipment or explosives within 30 m of a pipeline. The proposed Regulations would include a definition of “safety zone” consisting of an area extending 30 m perpendicularly from the centre line of a pipe on either side of the pipe.

The purpose of the safety zone is to protect the pipeline from accidental damage from activities such as excavations with power-operated equipment or explosives and provide for the safety of all persons living or working near the pipeline.

The proposed definition would address known challenges with the terms “pipeline”, “pipe” and right of way and provide consistency in how the safety zone is measured.

Ground disturbance

The proposed Regulations would restrict any person from undertaking a ground disturbance within 3 m of a buried pipe unless the conditions set out in paragraphs 7(1)(a) and (b) have been met.

This new provision would reflect the evolution of damage prevention and the need to address threats associated with ground disturbance. Restrictions related to excavations with power-operated equipment or explosives within 30 m of the pipeline, construction across, on, along or under the pipeline and crossings with vehicle or mobile equipment are set out in the NEB Act. In assessing the potential for activities not captured by the NEB Act to cause damage to the pipeline and associated facilities, it was determined that only those in close proximity to the pipe would have the potential to cause damage. Accordingly, this proposed provision would apply only to the area within 3 m of the centre line of the pipe.

One-call centre

The proposed Regulations would require a pipeline company to be a member of a one-call centre if it has a pipeline within a geographical area where a one-call centre exists (section 3). A one-call centre is an organization that coordinates requests for locating buried utilities, advises the caller of its member companies’ buried utilities in the area of the proposed activity and notifies its member companies of proposed activities.

Membership in one-call centres was recommended by the pipeline industry as a key method to prevent accidental damage to buried pipelines. Many companies are currently members of one-call centres.

Programs

The proposed Regulations would require a pipeline company to develop, implement and maintain a damage prevention program with elements that include public awareness, ongoing monitoring of land use, monitoring of any change in the ownership of the land in which the pipeline is located and the management of the movement of vehicles and mobile equipment across the pipeline (section 4).

The proposed Regulations would require a pipeline company to develop, implement and maintain an audit program for the purpose of verifying compliance with the proposed Regulations (section 11). Through audits, pipeline companies would evaluate their compliance performance against the regulatory objectives, take corrective actions, update procedures as necessary, have clear responsibilities and accountabilities, and have clear internal and external communications. Regular audits promote continual improvement of safety and environmental protection performance.

Standards for locates

The proposed Regulations would require a pipeline company to develop, implement and maintain standards for locating pipelines (sections 5 and 6). Implementation of standards and qualified and competent locators would promote planned, consistent and accurate means to locate facilities prior to excavation and ground disturbance.

Other updated requirements

The proposed Regulations set out when requests for locates of a pipeline must be made and associated timelines (sections 8, 17 and 18). The proposed Regulations would also require a pipeline company to investigate conditions, activities, actions or omissions that could cause damage to its pipeline, and submit a copy of the investigation report to the NEB (section 9).

The proposed Regulations also specify circumstances under which obtaining leave under the NEB Act would not be required, including carrying a pipeline across a utility other than a navigable waterway or a railway; construction of a facility across, on, along or under a pipeline; and excavations using power-operated equipment or explosives within the safety zone (sections 12, 13 and 16, respectively).

Consultation

The NEB has carried out extensive stakeholder consultation on the proposed Regulations. Project information including draft regulations, draft guidelines, regular updates and stakeholder comments received has been made available to the public on the NEB Web site.

In 1999, the NEB began a review of the Pipeline Crossing Regulations, first proposing a name change to reflect a focus on preventing damage rather than crossing activities.

In 2001, the NEB undertook a survey of approximately 350 interested companies, groups and individuals to obtain feedback on what should or could be included in the proposed Regulations. In the surveys returned, more than 80% of respondents indicated strong support for a number of damage prevention activities including: one-call centres, accuracy requirements for location of pipelines, development of minimum qualifications for pipeline locators, and the development of standards for awareness programs.

In May 2002, the NEB released A Conceptual Draft of the Proposed National Energy Board Damage Prevention Regulations and Guidance Notes (the Conceptual Draft) and conducted extensive stakeholder engagement for the next 12 months. Meetings with groups of interested stakeholders in the prevention of damage to underground infrastructure were held in Halifax, Nova Scotia; Saint John, New Brunswick; Calgary, Alberta; Vancouver, British Columbia; Regina, Saskatchewan; London, Ontario; Toronto, Ontario; and Montréal, Quebec. Over 150 professionals representing underground utilities, landowners, municipalities and pipeline companies participated. In addition, the NEB held public meetings or “open houses” in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia; Hardisty, Alberta; Regina, Saskatchewan; Kingston, Ontario; and Vaudreuil, Quebec. Interested stakeholders were provided with the opportunity to learn about the proposed Regulations and discuss the content of the Conceptual Draft. More than 250 persons attended.

Written comments on the Conceptual Draft were provided by a number of interested stakeholders, including pipeline companies and industry associations, one-call centres, various municipal and provincial authorities and contractor associations. Through the survey and initial stakeholder engagement process, several key elements to be included in the proposed Regulations were identified: one-call centres, accuracy requirements for location of pipelines, development of minimum qualifications for pipeline locators and the development of standards for awareness programs.

In October 2003, the NEB released Draft Guidance Notes for the National Energy Board Damage Prevention Regulations (Guidance Notes) for comment. This document included proposed text of the Regulations and incorporated many of the suggestions and comments provided through the consultation process. Consultation on the Guidance Notes was conducted through focus meetings in Montréal, Quebec; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Toronto, Ontario; and Winnipeg, Manitoba; as well as at venues such as the December 2003 NEB Workshop in Calgary, Alberta.

In February 2005, the NEB released a package consisting of a cover letter, draft National Energy Board Damage Prevention Regulations (October 2004) and Frequently Asked Questions. The package was posted on the NEB Web site and provided directly to pipeline companies, industry associations, interested stakeholders and potentially interested stakeholders.

Between 2005 and 2009, work on the proposed Regulations continued. In a parallel process, the NEB conducted a Land Matter Consultation Initiative and held meetings across Canada. As part of this initiative, in 2008 the NEB indicated its intention to incorporate into the proposed Regulations a requirement for companies to have a program in place to manage the movement of vehicles and mobile equipment across the pipeline.

In 2009, the NEB carried out another round of stakeholder engagement. An updated Proposed Damage Prevention Regulations and Draft Guidance Notes, February 2009 (the 2009 DPR and Draft Guidance Notes) was released on February 9, 2009, with a 10-week public comment period. Nineteen interested stakeholders provided written comments.

During this period, the NEB offered to meet with interested stakeholders to present the proposed Regulations, answer questions and hear comments. Meetings with the Canadian Energy Pipeline Association (CEPA), the Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA) and the Canadian Association of Pipeline Producers (CAPP) were held. In July 2009, a further meeting was held with CEPA, UPA, Canadian Association of Pipeline and Utility Locating Contractors, Trans-Northern Pipelines Inc., Alberta Hotline Inc., Alberta One-Call Corporation, Montreal Pipe Line Limited, Enbridge Pipelines Inc., Kinder Morgan Canada Inc., and Advanced Locating Services to work towards a better understanding of the proposed Regulations and discuss concerns that had been raised.

Numerous stakeholders participated in meetings and submitted written comments. Generally, there was support for the shift to a goal-oriented style of regulation and for participation in one-call centres.

Issues raised and discussed during the stakeholder consultation process included the perceived restriction on the use of land within the right of way and safety zone, the introduction of new terminology (safety zone, ground disturbance), the proposed requirement to develop standards for locates; the perceived loss of company control to supervise, direct, monitor or suspend third-party activities and the proposed service standards related to requests for locates.

Modifications were made to the proposed Regulations in response to stakeholders’ comments throughout the consultation process. There were a number of issues related to the NEB Act that could not be addressed by the proposed Regulations, including the requirement to obtain leave from pipeline companies to cross pipelines, certain terminology and the absence of enforcement mechanisms such as fines.

Implementation, enforcement and service standards

Under the NEB Act, the NEB is responsible for ensuring compliance with and enforcement of the existing regulations and would be responsible for the proposed Regulations. Compliance and enforcement provisions exist under the NEB Act and no change to compliance and enforcement authorities or responsibilties would result from the proposal. The NEB has trained and qualified Damage Prevention Inspectors and enforcement personnel and existing regulatory oversight programs. Compliance and enforcement activities would be funded through existing programs including existing cost recovery structures. The NEB has developed a plan to implement the proposed Regulations, manage information obtained through reporting requirements and inspection and audit activities and engage key stakeholders about damage prevention.

The proposed Regulations would impose three sets of service standards. Sections 8 and 18 of the proposed Regulations would impose a three-working day service standard on persons and the pipeline company related to locate requests. Section 14 would impose a 10-working day service standard on the pipeline company to enter into, or refuse, a request to enter into an agreement to construct a facility across, on, along or under a pipeline. Finally, paragraph 16(1)(d) of the proposed Regulations would specify that leave under the NEB Act is not required for excavations within the safety zone if not more than 30 days have elapsed after the date of the locate report. The service standard set out in subsections 8(3), 14(3) and 18(2) may be extended by mutual agreement.

Performance measurement and evaluation

The purpose of the proposed Regulations is to impose requirements related to prevention of damage to pipelines to provide for the protection of property and the environment, and the safety of the public and of the company’s employees.

In evaluating performance, the NEB will consider information from

• inspections and audits of company activities, facilities and programs;
• incident reports and investigations, including contributing factors and recommendations;
• investigation reports submitted pursuant to section 10 of the proposed Regulations;
• records of unauthorized activities, including tracking frequency, type of violation, geographic area and stakeholders involved;
• continued active participation on both provincial and federal Common Ground Alliances which are working towards the development of national best practices for the protection of buried infrastructure and a national one-call system; and
• direct communication with persons subject to the proposed Regulations.

Contacts

Scott Gedak
Technical Specialist, Environment
Regulatory Development Team
National Energy Board
444 Seventh Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 0X8
Telephone: 403-299-3674
Fax: 403-292-5503
Email: scott.gedak@neb-one.gc.ca

Chantal Briand
Regulations Drafting Specialist
Regulatory Development Team
National Energy Board
444 Seventh Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 0X8
Telephone: 403-292-4192
Fax: 403-292-5503
Email: chantal.briand@neb-one.gc.ca

VICTORIA – The BC Oil and Gas Commission (Commission) has released a report detailing the regulation of water used for oil and gas activities in British Columbia, announced CEO and Commissioner Alex Ferguson.

“The rise in unconventional drilling technologies and advanced geological knowledge in both conventional and unconventional activity has seen associated water use increase in northeast B.C. over the past decade,” he said. “Transparent reporting of water use overseen by the Commission is imperative to remain accountable to British Columbians in the regulation of all facets of oil and gas activity.”

The Commission has authority to review and approve water access for surface and subsurface sources through the Water Act and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Act. Technological advances have spurred the development of a new regulatory framework, the Oil and Gas Activities Act. This legislation, coupled with capacity building within information tracking systems and in-house technical expertise will further the Commission’s ability to manage, collect, track and forecast water used by the oil and gas industry in B.C.

“The Commission regulates industry water use with the goals of protecting potable ground water, minimizing withdrawals of water, encouraging alternative sources of water and supporting new technologies that recycle
water back into continued activity.” Mr. Ferguson stated, “Water use tracking and reporting is integral for the balance between sustainable resources, the interests of the people of B.C. and the economics of the oil and gas industry.”

The BC Oil and Gas Commission is the independent regulator of oil and gas activities in British Columbia.
The Commission has regulatory responsibility for industry activity from the exploration and development phases, through to facilities operation and decommissioning. The Commission fosters environmental, economic and social outcomes through legislation, regulation and numerous delegated authorities.
Should you have any questions regarding this News Release, please contact:

Lee Shanks
Manager, Communications
Corporate Affairs Division
BC Oil and Gas Commission
250-261-2097
Lee.Shanks@gov.bc.ca

OTTAWA, Ont. - June 23, 2010 - Today, the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of the Environment, announced that the Government of Canada is taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the electricity sector by moving forward with regulations on coal-fired electricity generation.

“Today’s announcement positions Canada one step closer to reaching its goal of being a clean energy superpower,” said Minister Prentice. “A responsible, clear phase-out of the electricity sector’s inefficient coal-fired generation will allow ample time for the implementation of cleaner generation technologies. This will create new jobs in the clean-energy sector, while helping Canada meets its commitment to greenhouse gas reductions.”

Thirteen per cent of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions come from coal-fired electricity generation units. The proposed regulations will apply a stringent performance standard to new coal-fired electricity generation units and those coal-fired units that have reached the end of their economic life.

Canada’s fleet of coal burning electricity plants consists of 51 units, with 33 coming to the end of their economic life by 2025. The gradual phase-out of traditional coal-fired electricity generation is expected to have a significant impact on reducing emissions. This policy, coupled with the commitments of the provinces, and companies who have committed to coal closures, will reduce emissions by about 15 megatonnes (Mt). This is equivalent to taking about 3.2 million vehicles off our roads.

The Government of Canada is continuing to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a sector-by-sector basis. In the transportation sector, draft regulations have already been published mandating an average 5 per cent renewable fuel content in gasoline, as well as draft regulations that are harmonized with the Obama Administration to reduce GHGs from passenger vehicles. Canada and the United States will also work together to reduce emissions from trucks vehicles.

Draft regulations to reduce GHGs from the electricity sector are expected to be published in Canada Gazette early in 2011 and final regulations published later that year. This will allow sufficient time for consultations and outreach with industry and other stakeholders. Regulations are scheduled to come into effect on July 1, 2015.

As inscribed in the Copenhagen Accord, Canada has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020, a target which reflects the importance of harmonizing our overall approach with that of the United States.

Related documents:

Canada’s Electricity Story [Backgrounder 2010-06-23]

Government wants to strengthen EUB to better defend interests of consumers (10/06/15)

NB 977

June 15, 2010

SAINT JOHN (CNB) – An options paper aimed at strengthening the Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) to better protect New Brunswick electricity ratepayers was released today by Energy Minister Jack Keir.

The New Brunswick Energy Regulatory Framework: Options for Improvement outlines various options on how to strengthen the regulatory role of the EUB in relation to electricity generation, transmission and distribution.

“A stronger EUB means better protection for New Brunswickers,” said Keir. “Reforms to the regulatory framework will make our utility more accountable and more transparent, which is in the best interest of all New Brunswickers.”

Among the nine reforms proposed:

• requiring all electricity rate increases to go before the EUB for a full hearing; and
• requiring NB Power to participate in a public approvals process in front of the EUB for any large capital expenses, upgrades or projects.

“I am seeking input from our energy partners and all New Brunswickers on the proposed changes to the EUB,” said Keir. “I expect legislative changes to be brought forward this fall.”

The paper as well as information pertaining to the consultation process are available at the Department of Energy website.

The paper was one of several initiatives announced by Keir today to involve the public to ensure New Brunswickers’ best interests are being served in the energy sector:

Smart grid
The provincial government is investing $100,000 in Propel ICT, a New Brunswick-based information and communications technology association, to follow up on initiatives resulting from the smart grid summit hosted by the Department of Energy in April, including exploring opportunities for small-scale pilot projects. Keir also released a report on the proceedings of the summit, available on the Department of Energy website.

Smart grid encompasses a range of technologies that enables consumers to use electricity more efficiently and effectively.

“Just as investments in New Brunswick’s extensive information and communications technology in the 1990s helped to diversify and grow the province’s economy, I am confident that this new green technology holds great opportunities for New Brunswick,” said Keir. “Recent significant investments in our ICT network, such as 100-per-cent-broadband Internet coverage across the province, will help position New Brunswick as a leader and centre of excellence in smart grid technology.”

Regional co-operation
The provincial government is actively exploring ways to increase regional co-operation and form partnerships in the energy sector. The Department of Energy is working with regional governments, utilities and system operators to explore ways to increase energy co-operation, integrate new sources of clean and renewable energy, harmonize energy markets, and plan for transmission reliability and capacity upgrades.

“I strongly believe in developing competitive regional energy solutions and will continue to seek opportunities for partnerships,” said Keir. “Many discussions have been held over the last few months with our Atlantic Canadian neighbours, and I am confident that these discussions will result in tangible benefits for New Brunswickers.”

Energy hub
A summit will be held in July in Saint John to explore ways to increase momentum in the ongoing development of New Brunswick as an energy hub. The summit will include stakeholders representing various organizations, community groups and businesses.

“The provincial government remains committed to the development of the energy hub,” Keir said. “Our province’s strategic location, as well as a highly-skilled and dedicated workforce, makes New Brunswick an attractive place for businesses in which to invest. It is vital that, as we move forward on the energy file, we look to maximize economic development and employment opportunities for New Brunswickers.”

Efficiency / renewables
Keir will be working with Justice and Consumer Affairs Minister Bernard LeBlanc, who is also the minister responsible for public engagement, to determine the best way to involve New Brunswickers on renewable energy development in New Brunswick and improved energy efficiency initiatives. Details on such a process will be announced later this summer.

“The more efficient use of energy, as well the development of renewable energy, will play an integral role in New Brunswick’s energy future,” said Keir. “I am committed to involving the public in these important aspects of our energy future.”

LINK:

• Department of Energy: www.gnb.ca/energy

10/06/15

EDITOR’S NOTE: Following is a backgrounder describing the consultation process on the New Brunswick energy regulatory framework. MEDIA CONTACT: Bonnie Doyle Creber, communications, Department of Energy, 506-658-2410.

The New Brunswick energy regulatory framework

The release of the options paper for regulatory reform represents the start of a public consultation process aimed at considering options for an improved regulatory framework for the EUB, particularly in relation to electricity transmission and distribution.

The Department of Energy is inviting New Brunswickers and energy stakeholders to make written submissions. The report can be downloaded from the department’s website. The deadline for written submissions is Friday, July 23. The department is encouraging written submissions by e-mail or regular mail about what other options or potential improvements should be considered:

Regulatory Framework Options,
Department of Energy,
1 Germain St., Suite M-100,
Saint John, N.B.
E2L 4V1

e-mail: Energ-consult@gnb.ca

The provincial government will consider all input received from stakeholders and the public in this review process.

The Department of Energy will release to the public a summary of feedback received, together with a list of all respondents. The summary will not attribute comments to any particular respondent. Legislative changes are expected this fall.

Energy Futures Conference 2010

On 12 March 2010, the National Energy Board (NEB or Board) hosted a one-day, conference in Ottawa as a follow up to the successful Energy Futures workshop held in 2008. The theme of the conference was Building a Sustainable Energy Future. Twenty-three experts presented to conference participants on their area of expertise, and commented on the relevant issues concerning Canada’s sustainability. Conference topics focused on energy market trends (i.e., energy supply, demand and prices) and associated factors that influence these trends (e.g., environmental policies, economic conditions, etc.).

The conference provided a forum for interested energy stakeholders in Canada to discuss long-term energy issues. The benefit of a conference is that it can expose participants to diverse energy views; allow for real-time communication, discussion and networking and finally, provide an opportunity to discuss timely issues. This year, these issues included volatile energy markets and economic conditions, announced government policies and impending government legislation.

It is the NEB’s intent that information gathered at the conference be used to guide our future energy analysis. It will also be useful for work that our stakeholders may undertake. To this end, the NEB has prepared this high-level summary of the conference proceedings and has posted all of the conference presentations on our external website. To view these presentations and related material to the Energy Futures report please visit www.neb-one.gc.ca. Please note that the views contained in this document and the presentations reflect speaker opinions and are not necessarily views of the Board.

The NEB, which has regulatory oversight for offshore drilling in the Canadian Arctic, announced on 11 May that it would be looking into Arctic safety and environmental offshore drilling requirements. The NEB expects to complete this review before receiving applications for drilling in the Arctic offshore.

A preliminary scope of the review is available on the NEB website at www.neb-one.gc.ca. The preliminary scope includes topics such as drilling safely while protecting the environment, responding effectively when things go wrong, and lessons learned from major accidents elsewhere.

Those who wish to participate in this review can register at the NEB’s website or provide their contact information by 16 July 2010 to:

Anne-Marie Erickson, Secretary of the Board
National Energy Board
444 Seventh Avenue SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0X8
Fax: 403-292-5503 or (toll free): 1-877-288-8803
File Number: OF-EP-Gen-EPGen-AODR 01

Comments on the preliminary scope should be provided by the same date.

The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several parts of Canada’s energy industry. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.

Related documents:

• Advisory, Arctic Offshore Drilling Review, 10-06-10 NEB - Letter and Preliminary Scope Public Review of Arctic Safety and Environmental Offshore Drilling Requirements (Filing A25375)
• All Regulatory Documents under: Advisory, Arctic Offshore Drilling Review [Folder 621169]
• Arctic Offshore Drilling Review
• Subscribe to the NEB’s Arctic Offshore Drilling Review RSS feed (What is RSS?)

Premier Says Beaufort Sea Ecosystem Must Be Protected
R(16)445 - Thursday, May 27, 2010
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is urging the Government of Canada to ensure satisfactory protection of the Beaufort Sea Ecosystem. In Edmonton yesterday to speak to the Chamber of Commerce, Premier Floyd K. Roland outlined the GNWT’s concerns about the risks of development – and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving the environmental well-being of the NWT.