The ERCB regulates the safe, responsible, and efficient development of Alberta's energy resources, including oil, natural gas, oil sands, coal, and pipelines.
ERCB approval is required at almost every step of an energy project's life in Alberta.
The ERCB regulates: *
- 179,400 operating natural gas and oil wells
- 47,200 oil and gas batteries, plants and other facilities
- 392,000 km of pipelines
- 12 producing coal mines
- 54 commercial oil sands plants
* denotes 2010 figures
The ERCB is responsible for managing Alberta's energy resources, including: *
- 168 million barrels of conventional crude oil
- 589 million barrels of bitumen
- 276 million barrels in situ
- 313 million barrels surface-minable
- 203 million barrels of natural gas liquids
- 4.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas (including 9.0 billion m
3
of CBM)
- 35 million tonnes of coal
* denotes 2010 figures
Why is regulation needed?
The government of Alberta owns about 80 per cent of the province's mineral rights, such as oil, natural gas, coal, and the oil sands. In other words, most resources are owned by the people of Alberta through their government.
While private companies can develop these resources, the ERCB is authorized by the government to protect the public's interest relating to the discovery, development, and delivery of these resources. Regulation is needed so that non-renewable resources are produced in a safe, responsible, and efficient manner, without waste.
The ERCB also ensures that everyone affected by development has a chance to be heard. When conflicts regarding development remain unresolved between companies and landowners, the ERCB works to settle the issues in a fair and balanced manner.
ERCB application and hearing activity: *
- In 2006, the ERCB received over 38,000 applications relating to energy facilities (including wells, pipelines, batteries, and gas plants), resources, and utilities.
- Every year, the ERCB holds about 15 public hearings into specific energy applications received.
* denotes 2010 figures
Annual Reports and Plans
Business Plan (The 2011-2014 business plan for the Ministry of Energy)
Annual Report
The Annual Report for the ERCB (formerly the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board) is contained within the Ministry of Energy Annual Report. This link will take you to the Department of Energy web site where you will be able to access the Annual Reports.
Energy Industry Authorization Overview
