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ARTICLE · 30 JUNE 2015

Separation Anxiety – Is A Divided Alberta Energy Regulator Around The Corner?

Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
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Premier Notley is set to review the Alberta Energy Regulator's (AER) mandate. Her government is undertaking an ambitious and comprehensive examination of Alberta's energy regulatory framework.

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Alan Ross
Alan Ross
Michael Marion
Michael Marion
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Premier Notley is set to review the Alberta Energy Regulator's (AER) mandate.  Her government is undertaking an ambitious and comprehensive examination of Alberta's energy regulatory framework.  This includes a potential split of the AER.  A new policy direction is expected which will address the Premier's concerns about the AER's role as both "a promoter of energy and the primary vehicle of environmental protection" in Alberta.1

Changes to the scope of the AER and its predecessors have a long history in Alberta.  Proposals for a "one-window" regulatory approval system span well over a decade.  On December 10, 2012, the Responsible Energy Development Act (REDA) – legislation that created a single regulator – received Royal Assent.  The AER become operational in June, 2013.  It assumed the energy development regulatory functions previously administered by the Energy Resources Conservation Board, and Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development.  These

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