Explainer
AER approvals in Alberta: how energy projects get permitted
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) regulates oil, oil sands, natural gas, pipelines and coal development in Alberta. Energy companies apply to the AER for licences and approvals to build and operate facilities, wells and pipelines. For energy projects, the AER also issues the approvals required under Alberta's environmental and water laws.
Statements of concern
When an application is published, people who may be directly and adversely affected can file a statement of concern by a stated deadline. That deadline is often the first public date on a new project, and it goes on our bid calendar.
What the AER does not approve
- Power plants and transmission are approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). Grid connection runs through the AESO.
- Data centres and other non-energy industrial sites get their environmental and water approvals from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas (for example, the EPEA and Water Act approvals on Wonder Valley), plus municipal permits.
- Interprovincial pipelines are regulated federally by the Canada Energy Regulator (CER).
Tracked Alberta projects with AER steps
- Cenovus Christina Lake interconnectAlberta · AER notice Sep 15
- Suncor Base Mine Extension (proposed)Alberta · Early development; project descriptions filed with the AER and Impact Assessment Agency
What subscribers see that this page doesn’t show
| What you get | Free | Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Project list with owner, status, next milestone and cost | ✓ | ✓ |
| Next 10 dates on the bid calendar | ✓ | ✓ |
| All 64 dated milestones, .ics export and a watchlist | — | ✓ |
| What happens on each date (details for every milestone) | — | ✓ |
| Procurement packages and buyer contacts per project | — | ✓ |
| Two monthly reports (PDF) with maps and buyer tables | — | ✓ |
| Mid-month update on projects that moved | — | ✓ |
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