Inquiry into NGL Extraction Matters Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) Initiated Proceeding

Application No. 1513726
Inquiry into NGL Extraction Matters
Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) Initiated Proceeding

This inquiry is investigating potential inequities surrounding the conventions and practices with respect to the extraction of natural gas liquids (NGLs) from the common stream natural gas transported in Alberta-regulated pipelines, as well as other related matters. The inquiry examined whether these conventions and practices need to be changed, what those changes might be, and how they could be implemented. This remains a joint EUB energy/utilities inquiry, which is being heard by a joint Board panel from the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB - successor to the EUB) and the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), as the proceeding was initiated by EUB in June 2007.

The oral hearing portion of the inquiry took place over two stages. The first stage began on February 5, 2008, took four and a half days, and included cross-examination of the inquiry expert witness, Ziff Energy Group. During the second stage of the oral portion of the inquiry, which ran from May 27 to July 18, panels representing the parties were cross-examined.

On June 27, some interveners filed a Motion and Notice of Question of Constitutional Law with the Board panel regarding a determination of issues involving TransCanada’s application to the National Energy Board (NEB) regarding jurisdiction over the NGTL pipeline. Following submissions by parties, the Board panel issued a letter dated August 15, 2008, which dismissed the motion.   In that letter the Board panel stated that “its clear jurisdiction with respect to providing for the economic, orderly and efficient development of Alberta’s natural resources and the interests of those that depend on those resources in the public interest is a sufficient basis for the Board to continue with the Inquiry which will result in the Board, in due course, considering possible recommendations relating to the matters dealt with in the Inquiry.”

The oral hearing adjourned on July 18, 2008, and was followed by written argument and reply argument from the parties. Board panel deliberations continue and a written report will be issued in due course.

For further information:

AUC Ruling August 15, 2008

Application No. 1513726
 
Phase 1 of the Oral Inquiry was held February 5 – 8 and February 12, 2008. For transcripts please contact Amicus Reporting
 
Phase 2 of the Oral Inquiry will commence May 27, 2008.

EUB Decision 2009-009 (Released: February 4, 2009)

News Release 2009-02-04 (NR 2009-05) EUB Issues Natural Gas Liquids Inquiry Decision

Links to all NGL Extraction Inquiry documents are located on the AUC web site at https://www.auc.ab.ca/eub/dds/iar_query/ApplicationAttachments.aspx?AppNumber=1513726