News


2007

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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

EUB ANNOUNCES INQUIRY INTO NGL EXTRACTION PRACTICES

Calgary, Alberta (June 4, 2007) The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) has announced it will conduct an inquiry into matters related to natural gas liquids (NGL) extraction on EUB regulated pipeline transmission systems and other EUB-regulated facilities.

The Inquiry will examine issues related to NGL extraction from the perspective of maximizing the economic, orderly and efficient development of Alberta's natural resources in the public interest. The Inquiry process will start immediately, with a public hearing in November 2007.

The evolution of the Alberta natural gas, pipeline, extraction and petrochemical industries and the related gas, transportation and NGL markets - since the implementation of the Alberta Ethane Policy in July 1990 (set to expire June 30, 2008) - have convinced the EUB that there is a need for a timely and comprehensive reexamination of historical conventions and practices with respect to the extraction of NGLs on EUB-regulated pipelines and facilities.

The need for such a review is made further apparent in light of anticipated future developments including the potential use of EUB-regulated pipelines to transport increasing amounts of gas from outside Alberta, increasing volumes of CBM and the growing market for gas within Alberta.

The inquiry will consider if changes to existing conventions and practices relating to NGL extraction are required in the public interest.

The EUB regulates investor-owned natural gas, electric, and water utilities to ensure that customers receive safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates.

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This news release is available on the EUB Web site at http://www.ercb.ca.

For more information, please contact:
Bob Curran, EUB Communications
Direct: 403-297-3392
Email: bob.curran@eub.ca

NR 2007-20

Page Last Updated: June 4, 2007