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Energy projects in Alberta often need approvals from more than one regulator. The split follows what is being regulated, so it helps to know which body does what before planning a project timeline.
The Alberta Energy Regulator
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) regulates the development of energy resources in the province across their life cycle. That covers oil and gas wells, oil sands projects and pipelines that stay within Alberta, along with the rules on measurement, liability and reclamation.
The AER handles licence applications, transfers, compliance and enforcement for these activities.
The Alberta Utilities Commission
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) regulates the province’s electricity and natural gas utilities. It reviews applications for power plants, substations and transmission lines, and it sets or approves utility rates that are regulated.
Large power and renewable projects therefore commonly involve the AUC rather than the AER.
Federal and other approvals
Pipelines that cross provincial or international borders fall under the federal Canada Energy Regulator. Projects may also need environmental assessment, municipal approvals, land agreements and Indigenous consultation.
Regulatory hearings can be lengthy and technical, and early planning with a lawyer who handles them regularly can avoid costly delays.
Mapping approvals for a project
- List every regulator that could touch the project: provincial, federal and municipal.
- Work out which approvals depend on others so the timeline is realistic.
- Plan Indigenous consultation as its own workstream with its own schedule.
- Keep application records, since they may be examined in hearings or appeals.