Regulators

ALBERTA

Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)

The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the Government of Alberta. Its mission is to ensure that the delivery of Alberta's utility services take place in a manner that is fair, responsible, and in the public interest.

We regulate investor-owned natural gas, electric, and water utilities and certain municipally owned electric utilities to ensure that customers receive safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates. This regulatory role is currently in a state of evolution due to the ongoing deregulation of the natural gas and electric industries. Staff also respond to customer inquiries and complaints respecting utility matters. In addition, the AUC ensures that electric facilities are built, operated, and decommissioned in an efficient and environmentally responsible way.

http://www.auc.ab.ca/portal/server.pt?

Alberta Electric System Operator(AESO)

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) integrates the functions of the Power Pool of Alberta, the Transmission Administrator of Alberta, and provincial load settlement. The AESO is taking a leadership role in ensuring the safe, reliable and economic operation and planning of Alberta's interconnected power system. In addition, the AESO is focused on facilitating an independent, fair, open and efficient market for the exchange of electric energy, and overall coordination of provincial load settlement.

http://www.aeso.ca/

Balancing Pool

The Balancing Pool was established in 1999 by the Government of Alberta to help manage the certain assets, revenues and expenses arising from the transition to competition in Alberta's electric industry. In 2003, the Balancing Pool had revenues of some $600 million and managed over $2 billion in assets. Its obligations and responsibilities are governed by the Electric Utilities Act and the Balancing Pool Regulation. Through this legislation, a Board of Directors has the responsibility and authority to operate the Balancing Pool.

The Balancing Pool has two primary roles:

to manage the financial accounts arising from the transition to a competitive generation market on behalf of electricity consumers, and
to meet any obligations and responsibilities associated with both sold and unsold Power Purchase Arrangements (PPAs).

http://www.balancingpool.ca/index.html

Alberta Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA)

Alberta's Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA) is in place to monitor Alberta's electricity market for fairness and balance in the public interest. Market Surveillance keeps a close watch on the overall performance of Alberta's electricity market - checking that it operates fairly, efficiently and in an openly competitive manner.

http://www.albertamsa.ca/

BRITISH COLUMBIA

British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC)

The British Columbia Utilities Commission is an independent quasi-judicial regulatory agency of the British Columbia Government that regulates energy utilities under the Utilities Commission Act. Its primary responsibility is to ensure that energy rates are fair, just and reasonable, and that utilities provide safe, adequate and secure service to their customers. It also approves the construction of new utility facilities and the issuance of utility securities.

The BCUC participates in the review of utility and energy projects under the Environmental Assessment Act ("EAA"). Most utility projects that required review under the EAA also require a Certificates of Public Convenience and Necessity from the BCUC. The BCUC reviews, evaluates, and reports on energy related matters referred to it by Cabinet through public hearings followed by a decision or a report and recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor in Council.

The Commission administers the Utilities Commission Act and Part 7 of the Pipeline Act.

The BCUC also reviews customer complaints related to the utilities.

http://www.bcuc.com

British Columbia Transmission Corporation (BCTC)

The British Columbia Transmission Corporation is the Crown operation that plans, operates, and maintains the province's publicly owned electrical transmission system.

http://www.bctc.com

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OF CANADA

National Energy Board (NEB)

The National Energy Board (the NEB) is an independent federal regulatory agency that regulates the following aspects of the energy industry:

The construction and operation of interprovincial and international pipelines; pipeline traffic, tolls and tariffs; the construction and operation of international and designated interprovincial power lines; the export and import of natural gas; the export of oil and electricity; and Frontier oil and gas activities.

The NEB also provides energy advice to the Minister of Natural Resources, carries out studies and prepares reports when requested by the Minister, conducts studies into specific energy matters, holds public inquiries when appropriate, and monitors current and future supplies of Canada's major energy commodities.

In addition to its responsibilities under the National Energy Board Act, the NEB has responsibilities under the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Northern Pipeline Act, and certain provisions of the Canada Petroleum Resources Act. The Canada Transportation Act adds pipelines that transport commodities other than oil or natural gas to the NEB’s jurisdiction.

http://www.neb-one.gc.ca

Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC)

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) is the nuclear energy and materials watchdog in Canada. In addition to nuclear power plants and nuclear research facilities, the CNSC regulates numerous other uses of nuclear material. Some examples include radioisotopes used in the treatment of cancer, the operation of uranium mines and refineries, and the use of radioactive sources for oil exploration and in instruments such as precipitation measurement devices.

The CNSC is an independent agency of the Government of Canada and operates in a transparent manner. Its operations are open to formal public scrutiny.

http://www.nuclearsafety.gc.ca/

MANITOBA

Manitoba Public Utilities Board

The Manitoba PUB regulates a number of Manitoba public utilities and regulates the rates charged by Manitoba Hydro (electrical utility), Manitoba Public Insurance (auto insurance), some gas or propane utilities (Centra Gas Manitoba, Stittco Utilities, Gladstone and Austin Natural Gas Co-op) and all water and sewer utilities outside Winnipeg.

The PUB supervises the construction and operation of natural gas and propane pipelines, and makes sure that gas and propane are safely distributed to Manitoba consumers. In addition it registers brokers of natural gas under the Public Utilities Board Act.

The PUB licenses owners under The Cemeteries Act and funeral directors under The Prearranged Funeral Services Act.

http://www.pub.gov.mb.ca/

NEW BRUNSWICK

New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board (formerly NB Public Utilities Board)

The New Brunswick Energy and Utilities Board (PUB) is an administrative tribunal, which is mandated with the regulation of public utilities in the Province of New Brunswick. The main public utilities are electric power and natural gas distribution. The Board is also responsible for regulating public motor buses and for hearing appeals on decisions of the Registrar of Motor Vehicles regarding motor vehicle dealers licenses.

http://www.pub.nb.ca

New Brunswick System Operator (NBSO)

The New Brunswick System Operator (NBSO) came into existence on October 1, 2004 with the proclamation of the Electricity Act.
The NBSO:
• oversees access to and use of the transmission grid ( the high voltage wires),
• ensures transmission system reliability,
• administers the Open Access Transmission Tariff (OATT) and the Market Rules.

http://www.nbso.ca/public/

NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR

Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities

The Board is an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory agency that operates primarily under the authority of the Public Utilities Act. The Board regulates the electric utilities in the province to ensure that the rates charged are just and reasonable, and that the service provided is safe and reliable. It is responsible for the supervision of rates charged by automobile as well as limited regulation of the motor carrier industry in relation to certain passenger and ambulance operations. It is also responsible for conducting hearings and other required activities under the Expropriation Act.

It is anticipated that the Board's regulatory role in public-passenger transportation will be eliminated with the complete deregulation of bus service, and its regulatory role in the provision of ambulance services will be transferred to the Regional Health Care Boards.

http://www.pub.nf.ca/

Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NOPB)

The Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board manages the petroleum resources in the Newfoundland offshore area on behalf of the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. The Board's authority is derived from the legislation implementing the 1985 Atlantic Accord between the two governments.

http://www.cnlopb.nl.ca/

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

Northwest Territories Public Utilities Board (NWTPUB)

The Board is an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory agency of the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Board operates under and administers the Public Utilities Act. The Board is primarily responsible for the regulation of energy utilities in the Northwest Territories, to ensure that the rates charged for energy are fair, just and reasonable. It is also responsible for ensuring utility operators provide safe, adequate and secure services to their customers.

Existing regulated utilities include Northwest Territories Power Corporation, Northland Utilities (NWT) Limited, Northland Utilities (Yellowknife) Limited, Stittco Utilities Ltd., Inuvik Gas Ltd., Town of Norman Wells and Aadrii Ltd.

http://www.nwtpublicutilitiesboard.ca/about.htm

NOVA SCOTIA

Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board was created on 14 December 1992 by proclamation of the Utility and Review Board Act, which combined the Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities, the Nova Scotia Municipal Board, the Expropriations Compensation Board, and the Nova Scotia Tax Review Board. Subsequently, additional duties relating to natural gas distribution, energy and mineral resources conservation, and victims rights and services have been added. The Board is an independent quasi-judicial tribunal which reports to the Legislature through the Minister of Justice.

The Board has a very broad mandate encompassing a number of acts. Generally operations fall into one of two categories: regulatory and adjudicative. The regulatory category includes regulation, inspection and/or supervision of public utilities, public passenger carriers, automobile insurance rates, the Halifax-Dartmouth bridges, and natural gas distribution. The adjudicative category includes appeals or applications relating to property assessments, expropriation compensation claims, planning and subdivisions, shopping centre developments, criminal injury compensation claims, municipal boundaries, municipal and school board electoral boundaries, and sales taxes.

http://www.nsuarb.ca/

Canada-Nova Scotia offshore Petroleum Board

The Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Board is the independent joint agency of the Governments of Canada and Nova Scotia established pursuant to the federal Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation Act and the provincial Canada-Nova Scotia Offshore Petroleum Resources Accord Implementation (Nova Scotia) Act. It is responsible for regulation of petroleum affairs and safe practices offshore Nova Scotia.

The Board's principal responsibilities include:

ensuring the safe conduct of offshore operations
protection of the environment during offshore petroleum activities
management of offshore oil and gas resources
review of industrial benefits and employment opportunities
issuance of licences for offshore exploration and development
resource evaluation, data collection and distribution.

The Board consists of five members who are appointed for fixed terms of office. The Government of Canada and the Government of Nova Scotia each appoint two members. The Chairman is jointly appointed by both governments. The Chief Executive Officer reports to the Board and is responsible for the day to day operations of the Board and a staff of nineteen professional and support personnel.

http://www.cnsopb.ns.ca

ONTARIO

Ontario Energy Board (OEB)

The Ontario Energy Board, is an independent quasi-judicial regulatory agency of the Ontario Government that regulates the natural gas and electricity industry under the Ontario Energy Board Act. The OEB’s legislated objectives in relation to electricity are: to facilitate competition in the sale of electricity and in energy efficiency, to provide generators, retailers and consumers with non-discriminatory access to electricity transmission and distribution systems in Ontario, to protect the interests of consumers with respect to prices and the reliability and quality of electricity service; and, to promote economic efficiency.

The OEB licenses all electricity market participants including the Independent Electricity Market Operator (IMO), generators, transmitters, distributors, wholesalers and natural gas and electricity retailers. In addition it regulates the rates charged for the distribution and transmission of electricity, as well as IMO fees. It approves sales and purchases of distribution utility assets. It determines if the construction of a natural gas pipeline is in the public interest by considering need, safety, economic feasibility, community benefits, security of supply and environmental impacts. It approves franchise agreements between the municipality and the utility. It recommends geological formations that are suitable for the storage of natural gas and also determines the compensation payable to landowners where storage pools are situated should the parties not agree among themselves.

http://www.oeb.gov.on.ca

Ontario Power Authority (OPA)

The OPA is a non-profit statutory corporation with independent board of directors that reports to the Legislature of Ontario through the Minister of Energy. The corporation is licensed and regulated by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB). Its costs will be recovered through OEB-approved fees to electricity users.

OPA’s mandate covers four critical areas in Ontario’s electricity sector:
Power System Planning – developing and maintaining a long-term plan for coordinating the supply and transmission of electricity in Ontario.

Power System Planning – developing and maintaining a long-term plan for coordinating the supply and transmission of electricity in Ontario .
Generation Development – contracting for investment in new generation projects and demand management initiatives to reduce the demand-supply gap for electricity.
Conservation Bureau – facilitating the management of demand by developing conservation programs for electricity users.
Retail Services – assuring smooth prices to residential and other designated customers, while recovering the full cost of electricity.

http://www.powerauthority.on.ca

Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO)

The IESO is a not-for-profit organization formed in 1998 as part of the restructuring of Ontario’s electric power industry. Its job is to keep the lights on in Ontario – and operating and regulating the new wholesale electricity market to ensure it is fair and effective, and delivers the benefits of a competitive marketplace.

The IESO monitors, evaluates and analyzes the effectiveness of the market rules and underlying structure to ensure the efficiency and competitiveness of the wholesale electricity market.

http://www.ieso.ca

http://www.ieso.ca/imoweb/corp/regulatory.asp

PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC)

The Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission, or "IRAC" as it is commonly known in Prince Edward Island, was established in 1991 following the amalgamation of the former Public Utilities Commission, Land Use Commission and the Office of the Director of Residential Rental Property (Rentalsman).The Commission operates at arms-length from the Provincial Government. It has two full-time and up to six part-time Commissioners and a staff complement of 18.

The Commission reports to the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island through the Minister of Education.

The Commission is an independent tribunal that hears appeals on issues relating to land use, property and revenue (sales) tax and unsightly premises. It administers land ownership legislation in Prince Edward Island and regulates the petroleum industry and certain water and wastewater utilities.

The Commission also monitors electric utilities and hears and considers appeals from decisions or orders of the Director of Residential Rental Property

http://www.irac.pe.ca

QUEBEC

Régie de l'énergie (Regie)

The Régie de l’énergie du Québec is an economic regulatory body whose goal is to reconcile the public interest, the protection of the consumers and the fair treatment of the electricity transmitter (TransÉnergie, a business unit of Hydro-Québec), and of the electricity and natural gas distributors. It promotes the satisfaction of energy needs through sustainable development and with due regard for equity both on the individual and collective planes. It fixes or modifies the rates and conditions for the transmission and distribution of electricity and the rates and conditions for the supply, transmission and delivery of natural gas.

In fixing or modifying the rates, the Régie favours measures or incentives that improve the performance of the electric transmitter and electricity and natural gas distributors and the satisfaction of consumer needs. The Régie examines the complaints of consumers who are dissatisfied with the decisions made by the electric power transmitter and the electricity and natural gas distributors with regards to the compliance with the rates and conditions for the supply, transmission, delivery or storage of natural gas by the electricity transmitter or the electricity and natural gas distributors.

The Régie also exercises powers of supervision, inspection and inquiry in respect of the sale or distribution of steam or petroleum products and the prices, taxes and duties charged and paid.

http://www.regie-energie.qc.ca

SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan Rate Review Panel

The rate Review Panel has been established by a Ministerial Order to conduct independent reviews of rate change requests from monopoly Crown corporations. The Panel advises the Miniser on rate applications making recommendations to the government, which has the final decision-making authority.

The Panel has the power to engage expert consultants and hold public meetings. In arriving at its recommendations, the Panel must take into consideration the interests of customer, the Crown corporations and the public. In each application, the Panel must consider any specific terms of reference given by the Minister.

http://www.saskratereview.ca

YUKON

Yukon Utilities Board

The Yukon Utilities Board is a Regulatory Board that consists of three to five members, one of which is the Chair and one of which is the Vice-Chair. Members are appointed by the Government of Yukon. The Board receives its mandate from the Public Utilities Act and Regulations.

The Board's mandate, in summary, includes the following:

issuing orders fixing rates of a public utility
prohibiting or limiting any proposed rate change
fixing proper and adequate rates and methods of depreciation, amortization or depletion in respect of the property of any public utility
fixing standards, classifications, regulations, practices, measurements or services to be observed, provided or followed by a public utility, and
determining areas that services of a public utility shall provide

The Board also requires the public utility to establish, construct, maintain, and operate any reasonable expansion of its existing services as well as determining the conditions that may be imposed by a public utility to establish, construct, maintain or operate an expansion of its existing services.

http://www.yukonutilitiesboard.yk.ca/

UNITED KINGDOM

Office of Gas and Electricity Markets(Ofgem)

Ofgem is the regulator for Britain's gas and electricity industries. Its role is to protect and advance the interests of consumers by promoting competition where possible, and through regulation only where necessary. Ofgem's work focuses on the following areas:

making gas and electricity markets work effectively
regulating monopoly businesses intelligently
securing Britain's gas and electricity supplies
meeting its increased social and environmental responsibilities.

Ofgem operates under the direction and governance of the Gas and Electricity Markets Authority, which makes all major decisions and sets policy priorities for Ofgem. The authority's role in the management of Ofgem is set out in its rules of procedure.

Ofgem's powers are provided for under the Gas Act 1986, the Electricity Act 1989, as amended by the Utilities Act 2000. It also has enforcement powers under the Competition Act 1998 click here for more details.

http://www.ofgem.gov.uk/Pages/OfgemHome.aspx

UNITED STATES

Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC)

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which was created through the Department of Energy Organization Act on October 1, 1977 is an independent regulatory agency within the Department of Energy that

Regulates the transmission and sale of natural gas for resale in interstate commerce;
Regulates the transmission of oil by pipeline in interstate commerce;
Regulates the transmission and wholesale sales of electricity in interstate commerce;
Licenses and inspects private, municipal and state hydroelectric projects;
Oversees environmental matters related to natural gas, oil, electricity and hydroelectric projects;
Administers accounting and financial reporting regulations and conduct of jurisdictional companies, and;
Approves site choices as well as abandonment of interstate pipeline facilities.

While the Commission recovers all of its costs from regulated industries through fees and annual charges, its legal authority comes from the Federal Power Act of 1935, the Natural Gas Act (NGA) of 1938, the Natural Gas Policy Act (NGPA) of 1978, the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, and the Energy Policy Act of 1992.

The Commission is composed of five members who are appointed by the President of the United States, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Commissioners serve five-year terms, and have an equal vote on regulatory matters. No more than three members may belong to the same political party. One member is designated by the President to serve as Chair, and FERC's administrative head.

http://www.ferc.gov/

California Independent System Operator (California ISO)

The California Independent System Operator is a not-for-profit public-benefit corporation charged with operating the majority of California’s high-voltage wholesale power grid. Balancing the demand for electricity with an equal supply of megawatts, the California ISO is the impartial link between power plants and the utilities that serve more than 30 million consumers. It provides equal access to the grid for all qualified users and strategically plans for the transmission needs of this vital infrastructure.

http://www.caiso.com

Midwest Independent System Operator (Midwest ISO)

The Midwest Independent System Operator is an essential link in the safe, cost-effective delivery of electric power across much of North America. The Midwest ISO is committed to reliability, the nondiscriminatory operation of the bulk power transmission system, and to working with all stakeholders to create cost-effective and innovative solutions for its changing industry.

http://www.midwestiso.org/page/MisoPortalHome

Independent System Operator - New England (ISO-NE)

The ISO New England helps protect the health of New England's economy and the well-being of its people by ensuring the constant availability of electricity, today and for future generations. ISO New England meets this obligation in three ways: by ensuring the day-to-day reliable operation of New England's bulk power generation and transmission system, by overseeing and ensuring the fair administration of the region's wholesale electricity markets, and by managing comprehensive, regional planning processes.

http://www.iso-ne.com/aboutiso/index.html

New York Independent System Operator (NYISO)

The New York Independent System Operator is a non-profit organization formed as part of the restructuring of New York State's electric industry. Its mission is to operate the state's bulk electric grid and administer New York's wholesale electriciy markets.

http://www.nyiso.com/public/index.jsp

Midwest Independent System Operator (PJM)

PJM Interconnection is a regional transmission organization (RTO) that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or parts of Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. It operates an efficient, effective wholesale electricity market, and manages a long-term regional electric transmission planning process to maintain the reliability of the power supply system.

http://www.pjm.com/index.jsp

EUROPEAN UNION

European Commission (EC)

The European Commission was created to represent the European interest common to all Member States of the Union. The Commission has been given a right of initiative in the legislative process, proposing the legislation on which the European Parliament and the Council decide.

The Commission is responsible for implementing common policies (like the common agricultural policy) and it administers the budget and manages the Union's programmes.

Although the Commission has the right to take any initiative it considers appropriate to attain the objectives of the Treaties, most proposals are a response to legal obligations, technical requirements or to a specific request for action from another institution, a Member State or from the interested parties.

Within the European Commission, energy policies are developed by the Directorate-General for Energy and Transport. Energy policy dates back to the beginnings of European integration, with the European Coal and Steel Community (“ECSC”) Treaty and the Euratom Treaty on the civil use of nuclear energy. However, the energy policy advanced in the 1990s with the creation of a genuine internal market for electricity and gas, the promotion of new energy sources and a more coordinated approach to security of supply.