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News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

EUB Chairman William Tilleman Takes Action

Calgary, Alberta (September 24, 2007) Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) Chairman Dr. William Tilleman has taken steps to ensure that the security problems that occurred during the 500 kV hearing held in Red Deer and Rimbey, Alberta will never happen again.

“When I took this job I was mandated to move forward and make change, and I am making permanent decisions at a corporate level now,” stated Tilleman.  “These changes are the first major decisions I am making to reassure Albertans that the EUB has a strong regulatory framework that inspires landowner, industry, and public confidence.”

Effective immediately,

• The entire EUB Security unit has been disbanded and all employees of that unit are no longer with the EUB.
• Dr. Tilleman will make it a priority to work with the Alberta Solicitor General and Public Security department to develop a new protocol for security and energy infrastructure security in the province.  The EUB will have a role in the security of the province’s energy infrastructure and will continue to fulfill its obligation under the Security Management Regulation through an organizational change.  The involvement of Alberta’s Solicitor General will lead to a strengthened Alberta energy infrastructure security program.
• The EUB’s executive leadership team is being reorganized: 
  o An Executive Manager of Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy will be appointed who will be responsible for ensuring the EUB is open and accountable to Albertans and their personal privacy is respected. 
  o An Executive Manager of Dispute Resolution will be appointed who will be responsible for ensuring that mediation or arbitration services are available to help settle landowner disputes relating to the siting of energy and utility facilities in Alberta.  
• All future EUB hearings and proceedings will begin with the presiding EUB official introducing all EUB staff at the event.  
• Public Notices for all EUB proceedings will now state that all material relating to the proceeding is subject to Alberta’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation.
• The EUB will address all of the recommendations made in the reports of Mr. Justice Del Perras and the Information and Privacy Commissioner.

Tilleman added, “If future hearings require security, the EUB will request the use of Alberta Sheriffs through Memorandums of Understanding that I will personally develop with the Solicitor General’s department.  And if the level of risk dictates, the police service of the jurisdiction will be consulted”

“The EUB has a proud heritage going back to the founding of Alberta’s first regulatory agency in 1915, the Board of Public Utility Commissioners,” said Tilleman.  “Through honesty and fair dealing with all parties, it is my intent to help restore the EUB’s international reputation and to realign the organization into the Alberta Utilities Commission and the Energy Resources Conservation Board in 2008.  Though challenging, we will revitalize, flourish, and endure.”

The EUB ensures that the discovery, development, and delivery of Alberta's energy resources and utility services take place in a manner that is fair, responsible, and in the public interest.

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For more information, please contact:
Tom Neufeld
EUB Communications
Phone: (403) 297-8565
Email: tom.neufeld@eub.ca

NR 2007-36