Regulator Reproves Its Political Counterparts

On November 28, 2005, the Alberta Department of Energy (DOE) circulated a document to Alberta stakeholders entitled Role and Mandate Refinements for Alberta Electric Industry Implementing Agencies (the Paper). The Paper describes changes the DOE intends to make to the mandates of implementing agencies, including the Independent System Operator (ISO), the Market Surveillance Administrator, the Balancing Pool and the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB). The proposed refinements are to be implemented in future regulations.

Early in 2006, the EUB issued a severe reproof of the DOE regarding the Paper, expressing "deep disappointment" the EUB was not afforded an opportunity to provide input before the Paper was circulated to stakeholders. The DOE’s consultation process engaged some parties prior to the Paper’s release, but evidently not its