Energy in Alberta timeline

1715

The first known reference to the Athabasca oil sands is made by Captain Swan. He was a Cree chief acting as a middleman between the native hunters of the west and the fur factories of Hudson Bay. Swan tells Governor James Knight in council at York Fort in 1715 about a river feeding the Churchill River where he found “Gum or pitch.” In 1719 Swan returns to York Fort, where Henry Kelsey has replaced Knight as governor. He gives Kelsey a sample of “that Gum or pitch that flows out of the Banks of that River.”

1788

Alexander Mackenzie writes of bituminous seeps among Alberta’s Athabasca oil sands into which a 6-metre pole can be inserted "without the least resistance."

1793

The first published record of coal in Alberta is attributed to Peter Fidler. He is a surveyor, explorer, mapmaker and fur trader for the Hudson’s Bay Company. According to his journal, Fidler first observes coal near the Red Deer River at Kneehills Creek. This is a short distance from present-day Drumheller.

1807

Coal gas is first used to light streetlamps in London, England.

1821

Natural gas is piped through hollow logs to Fredonia, New York.

1836

Coal gas is first used in streetlamps in Montreal.

1841

Coal gas is first used in streetlamps in Toronto.

1842

Geological Survey of Canada is established to explore for coal and other minerals.

1854

Abraham Gesner of Halifax, Nova Scotia opens a plant in New York to convert coal into kerosene. This is a new synthetic lamp oil (replacing whale oil). The plant uses Gesner’s patented process of fractional distillation.

1855

American chemist Benjamin Silliman applies fractional distillation to Pennsylvania rock oil (crude oil) and discovers it produces high-quality lamp oil (kerosene).

1859

Natural gas is discovered in New Brunswick.

1860s

Entrepreneurs establish small, primitive oil refineries in Ontario, eastern Europe and the U.S.

1866

James Miller Williams of Hamilton, Ontario creates the world’s first vertically integrated oil company. It combines all aspects of the business from exploration to retail sales into 1 company.

1866

Natural gas is discovered in southwestern Ontario.

1870s

Chemical engineer Herman Frasch invents a process to extract sulphur compounds from oil using copper oxide powder. Until then, the foul smell of sulphur had prevented oil from being widely used as a fuel.

1874

The first coal-powered electricity generators are developed near present-day Lethbridge.

1875

The Geological Survey of Canada investigates Athabasca oil sands.

1880

Sixteen Ontario producing and refining companies merge to form the Imperial Oil Company.

1882 to 1883

The first coal mine in Alberta opens in Lethbridge (originally called Coalbanks) in 1882. The first mine in Edmonton opens in 1883. The Lethbridge area has more than a dozen underground coal mines with each mine in excess of 100,000 tonnes. The last of these closed in the mid-1960s.

1883

A Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) crew drilling for water near Medicine Hat, Alberta accidentally discovers natural gas 55 kilometres northwest of Medicine Hat. The name of the site at the time is Langevin Siding. By 1910 it is called Carlstadt. After the First World War, the name is changed again to Alderson.

The first CPR locomotive arrives in Medicine Hat, signalling great changes in the coal industry of the future province. The first branch line built from CPR’s main Alberta line is the North Western Coal and Navigation Company’s 174-km narrow-gauge line. It runs from Dunmore to Lethbridge in the southwest. It is constructed to carry coal from Lethbridge to sell to the CPR as fuel for its locomotives. The line contributes to greater employment in the area through coal mining, railway development, increased flow of goods and crop exports.

Canada’s first single-phase AC generators are commissioned in Calgary by the Bow River Lumber Company and in Ottawa at Chaudière Electric.

1884

A second well is drilled just a few metres from the Langevin Siding site. This one produces enough gas to light and heat several buildings.

1886

The Geological Survey of Canada collects natural gas information and presents a paper to the Royal Society of Canada. The paper was called On Certain Borings in Manitoba and the Northwest Territory. Of course, there is no reference to Alberta, since Alberta did not become a province until 1905.

1887

The Canadian government establishes Banff National Park, the first national park in Canada and the second in North America. The Banff Hot Springs represent the most famous example of direct-use geothermal energy in Alberta’s history.

The No. 1 Mine begins coal production in Canmore, Alberta. Mining at Canmore continues until 1979.

1889

Drilling for natural gas begins in southwestern Ontario.

1890s

Several more natural gas wells are drilled in the Medicine Hat area, producing gas for homes and factories.

1890

A natural gas well drilled at Niagara Falls, Ontario begins exporting gas to Buffalo, New York.

1891

The Canadian Electrical Association is formed to represent the industry.

Edmonton Electric Lighting and Power Company is founded. It receives approval to build a coal-fired generating plant on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. Source: Edmonton Power Historical Foundation

1893

Parliament passes a bill authorizing funds for the Geological Survey of Canada to investigate the Athabasca oil sands as a source of petroleum.

The first hydro-generator in Alberta is built on the Bow River. Source: Centre for Energy

1894

Drilling begins at the Athabasca oil sands. Crews strike a reservoir of natural gas which blows wild for 21 years.

1895

Natural gas from Ontario is piped to Windsor, Ontario and across the river to Detroit, Michigan.

1898

Imperial Oil’s refinery operations are consolidated at Sarnia, Ontario.

1900s

Prior to 1900, most of Alberta’s population lived along the main CPR railway line or along branch lines under CPR control. In the early 1900s, this trend shifts somewhat. Various railways and branch lines lay tracks farther north away from CPR’s main southern rail line. Northern rail routes are responsible for establishing early coal communities, such as Drumheller, Forestburg and Nordegg, north of CPR’s main line.

1901

As known natural gas supplies dwindle, the Ontario government bans exports to the U.S.

Medicine Hat develops its own gas utility.

1902

Edmonton Electric Lighting and Power Company is purchased by Edmonton, becoming the first municipally owned electric utility in Canada. Source: Edmonton Power Historical Foundation

1905

Alberta is proclaimed a province on September 1, 1905. The province is named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, the fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. The inauguration ceremony features an address by Prime Minister Sir Wilfred Laurier. Approximately 12,000 Albertans are in attendance to witness the ceremony.

1908 to 1909

Old Glory is the name of the first major gas discovery. Development of the Bow Island gas field leads to the first pipelines delivering natural gas to Alberta communities.

1909

Calgary Power is formed. Later renamed TransAlta, the company develops into Canada’s largest investor-owned utility.

1911

Following the British decision to convert Royal Navy ships from coal to bunker oil, the Canadian government urges industry to find and develop domestic oil supplies.

Martin Nordegg opens the largest mine in Alberta and creates a model town that bears his name to this day. By 1923, Nordegg was producing the largest amount of coal of all the mines in Alberta.

Calgary Power builds the first large-scale hydro plant in Alberta, the run-of-river Horseshoe plant. Source: TransAlta

1912

A 270 km pipeline begins carrying natural gas from Bow Island, Alberta to Calgary. This will allow natural gas to replace coal gas as a heating, lighting and cooking fuel. The 40 cm pipeline is completed in just 86 days.

1914 to 1918

The First World War establishes oil as a key strategic commodity.

1914

May 14 is a victorious day for Arthur W. Dingman. He and his associates savour the fruits of their risk-taking with a natural gas discovery at Turner Valley on the edge of Kananaskis Country. Learn more about the Turner Valley Gas plant here.

1915

Sydney Ells demonstrates the first commercial use of oil sands. In 1915, he ships several tonnes of Athabasca oil sands by water, sleigh and rail to Edmonton for a road-paving experiment.

The Public Utilities Board (PUB) becomes Alberta’s first regulatory agency with the primary responsibility of regulating utility rates and service. Since utility service is limited at the time, the PUB has extended jurisdiction over other matters. This includes the cancellation of subdivision plans, approval of utility franchise agreements, regulation of the sale of shares and securities within the province, approval of tariffs for provincial railways and approval of highway crossings by railway branch lines. Alberta Government Telephones, Alberta’s only telecommunications company at the time, also applies to the PUB for its rates.

1917

The Soldier Settlement Board (SSB) comes into being with the mandate to provide land for returning war veterans. The veteran would acquire title to the surface, but the minerals were reserved in the SSB name and administered by the Government of Canada.

1920

Oil is discovered at Norman Wells, Northwest Territories.

1923

Edmonton switches to natural gas for heating, lighting and cooking following completion of a 130-km pipeline from Viking, Alberta.

1924

The discovery of a decade earlier leads the way to a deeper zone find just a few kilometres away. Royalite No. 4 puts Turner Valley on the oil and gas map.

1926

Karl Clark, chemist and oil sands researcher, perfects a hot water separation process while working for the Research Council of Alberta and the University of Alberta. It is the basis of today’s thermal extraction process. Learn more at the Bitumount heritage site.

1927

R. C. Fitzsimmons forms the International Bitumen Company and builds a small-scale pilot plant near Bitumount, 80 km north of Fort McMurray.

1930

Under the Natural Resources Transfer Agreement, the Dominion of Canada transfers mineral rights to the province of Alberta. It grants the province rights to all minerals, oil and natural gas. Approximately 81% of the sub-surface mineral rights are owned by the province.

Alberta’s first royalty regulation follows a royalty system similar to the U.S. with a fixed flat percentage royalty rate such as 5%, 12.5% or 16.67%.

1930

Alberta Department of Lands and Mines is established.

1931

First Alberta Royalty Regulation.

1932

The Turner Valley Conservation Board is established.

1933

The falling price of milk affects the profitability and viability of milk producers in Alberta. To provide price stability, the Government of Alberta declares milk a public utility. The Public Utilities Commission (renamed the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) in 2008) begins setting the minimum price that milk producers receive (the wholesale price). The commission is also put in charge of licensing and regulating milk producers and distributors. In 1969, the Government of Alberta creates the Alberta Milk Control Board. While the AUC’s jurisdiction over the regulation of milk production is surrendered to the board, it continues to set minimum wholesale prices. In 1991 the Government of Alberta deregulates the minimum retail price of milk.

1934

The first natural gas export licence is issued by the federal Department of Trade and Commerce.

1934 to 1935

After more than 50 years of production, the second oil well to be discovered in Alberta is closed off (abandoned) with a few wheelbarrows of cement. The closing-off process is still in its infancy and abandonment operations continue until 1954.

1935

Alberta’s flat royalty rate on oil and gas is increased to 10%, with flexible treatment of low-value natural gas liquids.

1936

Nylon, the first plastic made from petroleum products, is invented.

Under the Fuel Oil Licencing Act, Alberta’s 1,000 fuel dealers are required to obtain a licence from the Public Utilities Board.

Oil leg is discovered in the Mississippian zone at Turner Valley.

Rotary drilling rigs indicate oil exists at greater depths than oil found in earlier discoveries.

1938

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Conservation Board becomes the Energy Utilities Board (EUB), then the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB). On June 17, 2013, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) takes over to provide full-lifecycle regulatory oversight of energy resource development in Alberta.

1941

Alberta shifts the royalty rates on oil from a flat rate of 10% to a choice of a 12.5% flat rate or a 5 to 15% royalty based on production levels.

1943

Pipeline is built from Portland, Maine to refineries in Montreal to overcome wartime danger to East Coast tanker traffic.

1943 to 1945

Canada’s first offshore oil well is drilled from an artificial island off Prince Edward Island to a depth of 4,500 metres, at a cost of $1.25 million. No commercial qualities of oil or gas are found.

1944

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers completes the Canol Pipeline. It is an expensive but short-lived pipeline system carrying crude oil from Norman Wells to a new refinery at Whitehorse, Yukon. It also carries refined oil products to Fairbanks and Skagway, Alaska.

1947

After drilling 133 dry holes across Western Canada, Imperial Oil strikes oil at Leduc, Alberta, on February 13. This transforms Canada into an oil-rich nation. Learn more at the Canadian Energy Museum.

1947 to 1954

This historical document about oil and natural gas production describes average daily production, footage drilled and money spent on exploration. It also includes a listing of leases and royalties paid for this time frame.

1948

Imperial Leduc No. 2 finds oil in the Devonian reef, which formed during the Devonian period, the Age of Fishes (395 to 345 million years ago). Until this discovery, oil experts believed oil could not be found from that time period. The town of Devon, Alberta is named after this.

The Alberta royalty rate is capped at 16⅔%.

1949

Alberta Department of Lands and Mines is succeeded by two new departments: Lands and Forests, and Mines and Minerals.

1950

Oil replaces coal as Canada’s largest single source of energy. Pipelines are established to transport natural gas to Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto and Montreal.

Detonation of an underground atomic explosive device is proposed to melt Athabasca oil sands bitumen to aid commercial development. Federal government denies approval.

1951

A sliding scale is established in Alberta Royalty Regulations.

1950 to 1953

First section of the Interprovincial Pipe Line Inc. (now Enbridge Pipelines Inc.) oil pipeline is laid from Edmonton to Superior, Wisconsin. It is extended to Sarnia, Ontario in 1953.

1952

First sulphur recovery plant is built in Alberta for sour gas (natural gas).

1953

Trans Mountain Pipeline Company line is completed from Edmonton to Vancouver.

1954

The Alberta Gas Trunk Line Company Limited (AGTL) (now called NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd.) is created to build and operate a provincewide natural gas transportation system. In 1957, Alberta gas begins to flow through the AGTL (NOVA) system.

1955

Edmonton Electric Lighting and Power Company’s Rossdale plant switches from coal to natural gas.

1957

First gas is exported by the Westcoast Energy Inc. pipeline system through Vancouver to U.S. markets.

1958

Construction of the TransCanada Pipelines system is completed from Alberta to Eastern Canada.

Entwistle resident Einar Opdahl finds a diamond on the banks of the Pembina River. The diamond weighs 0.83 carats and sells for $500.

1959

The National Energy Board is created by the federal government to oversee interprovincial and international energy trade.

1960

The Gas Utilities Act is introduced. It is still a major part of legislation governing the jurisdiction of the ERCB. In the 1960s, urbanization and industrialization increase the number of utility customers by 62%.

1961

Alberta establishes air-quality standards that include limits on industrial emissions of hydrogen sulphide and sulphur dioxide.

National oil policy directs that all refineries west of the Ottawa Valley must use higher-priced crude from western Canada.

The Pacific Gas Transmission pipeline (now called Gas Transmission Northwest) is built to deliver Alberta gas to customers in the U.S. Pacific Northwest and California.

1962

The number of steps in oil royalty is reduced to 3.

The royalty rate on gas is increased to 16.67% with minimum deemed royalty value maintained.

1964

The Great Canadian Oil Sands (now Suncor) starts mining oil sands to produce crude bitumen. At this time, Fort McMurray is a small trading post.

1965

In the mid-1960s, Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) is piloted in the Clearwater Formation. It proves to be the key to unlocking bitumen.

1967

Great Canadian Oil Sands initiates the world’s first large-scale oil sands operation, the Athabasca oil sands at Fort McMurray. Total production in 1967 reaches about 2,500 barrels per day.

1970s

Natural gas and oil deposits are found off the coast of Nova Scotia.

Roger M. Butler develops the concept of using horizontal pairs of wells and injecting steam to extract certain deposits of bitumen considered too deep for mining. Cyclic steam injection was the previous process. Butler’s invention of Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) technology paves the way for scores of in situ projects, changing the oil sands industry. Source: Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame

1970

The Board of Arbitration is formed to handle expropriations, formerly the jurisdiction of the Public Utilities Board. The Board of Arbitration is now the Land and Property Rights Tribunal.

Edmonton’s electrical distribution and power plant departments merge and become Edmonton Power. Construction begins on its Clover Bar generating station. Source: EPCOR

1972

Alberta proposes a mineral tax assessment on remaining recoverable crude oil reserves at fair value with no change in the existing royalty structure. The plan also includes an exploratory drilling incentive system. Changes take effect in January 1973. Source: Tenure in Alberta

Federal and B.C. governments impose moratorium on West Coast offshore oil and gas exploration.

1973

Arab oil embargo triggers first global energy crisis. The Alberta Energy Company Ltd. is created to initiate a capital investment program and lessen dependence on foreign oil. It would later merge with PanCanadian Energy Corporation to create Encana.

Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau decrees ‘made-in-Canada’ crude oil prices.

Alberta implements a price-sensitive royalty regime, rather than a fixed rate.

Alberta implements a price-sensitive royalty regime. Prior to that, royalties were paid at a fixed rate.

The Alberta Petroleum Marketing Act creates the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission (APMC).

1974

The Natural Gas Price Protection Plan is introduced to shelter Alberta consumers from increasing world market prices for natural gas. In 2009 it was replaced by the Natural Gas Price Protection Act. In 2022, the Utility Commodity Rebate Act was established to enable rebates on electricity, natural gas or other heating fuels.

The Petroleum Royalty Regulation allows rebates for eligible costs of injection materials for enhanced oil recovery guidelines.

The Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission (APMC) is created by the Petroleum Marketing Act. The commission is the provincial Crown corporation responsible for selling conventional crude that the Alberta government receives in lieu of cash royalties. The main objective is to maximize the value of the Crown’s royalties. The Crown marketing agents are contracted to sell the Crown royalty share along with their own production. This ensures a competitive market price is received for the sales of these volumes.

The Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority (AOSTRA) is formed to promote the development of new technologies for oil sands and heavy-oil production.

Oil and natural gas pools are classified by ‘vintage’ for royalty calculation purposes. Vintage refers to the date of discovery of the oil or gas pool from which production occurs. Royalty rates for production from newly discovered pools are set lower to reflect the higher average finding and development costs associated with newer, smaller pools. Alberta has only 2 vintages: old, discovered before 1974; and new, discovered after 1973.

Alberta oil & gas production: 1947-1974 is a listing of conventional oil production for the time frame. It is followed by annual numbers for 1960 to 1974. It includes footage drilled, well completions, producing wells and a listing of leases and royalties paid. (Oil sands numbers begin in 1966.)

1975

Alberta Department of Energy and Natural Resources is created by merging two existing departments: Lands and Forests, and Mines and Minerals.

Natural gas prices in Canada become regulated under federal-provincial agreement.

1978

Alberta royalty formulas are made sensitive to the level of production from the well.

Syncrude Canada Ltd., a consortium of oil companies and the federal and provincial governments, open an oil sands mining and upgrading project at Fort McMurray. This effort, combined with the Great Canadian Oil Sands (Suncor Energy Ltd.) operation that began in 1967, increases the total mined bitumen in the province to more than 90,000 barrels per day.

The U.S. begins the process of natural gas deregulation.

1979

Alberta’s first ethylene plant officially opens at Joffre. A second ethylene plant and a polyethylene plant begin production in 1984, eventually becoming the largest in North America.

First large oil discoveries are made at the Hibernia field off Newfoundland.

The Canadian oil industry converts to metric.

1980s

First permanent buried pipeline is completed in the Canadian Arctic to carry light crude oil from Norman Wells to Alberta.

1980

In October, the National Energy Program (NEP) reinforces the 1973 made-in-Canada price policy. The NEP seeks to achieve 3 objectives: energy security (or oil self-sufficiency); redistribution of wealth between the federal government and consumers; and greater Canadian ownership of the oil industry. Many Albertans believe the NEP is an intrusion on provincial rights because resources are owned by the provinces. It passes a large benefit to central Canada and leads to a significant number of companies and jobs leaving Alberta. The NEP ended with the 1984 election. Source: Alberta Online Encyclopedia

1981

Calgary Power changes its name to TransAlta Utilities. Source: TransAlta

1982

The Constitution Act gives each province the exclusive right to make laws in relation to the development, conservation and management of natural gas in the province.

Alberta Energy develops an online Land Status Automated System (LSAS) for all surface information in the province. Minerals are added 5 years later. This system is in place until 2011.

The Alberta government creates the Electric Energy Marketing Agency. The Public Utilities Board sets the price at which utilities sell electric energy to the agency. The aim is to achieve equalization of electrical rates by averaging the price of generation and transmission across the province.

The Petroleum Incentives Program Act is implemented to encourage development of oil and gas in Alberta following the 1980 National Energy Program. Source: Canada's Petroleum Heritage

1982 to 1986

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) attempts to set production quotas low enough to stabilize prices. These attempts meet with repeated failure as various OPEC members produce beyond their quotas. During most of this period, Saudi Arabia acts as the swing producer, cutting its production in an attempt to stem the free fall in prices. In August 1985, the Saudis link their oil price to the spot market for crude. By early 1986, they increase production from 2 MMBPD to 5 MMBPD. Crude oil prices plummet below $10 per barrel by mid-1986. Despite the fall in prices, Saudi revenue remains about the same with higher volumes compensating for lower prices. Source: West Texas Research Group

1983

The Oil and Gas Servicing Incentive Program Regulation is introduced. It authorizes the minister to make grants available for eligible well-servicing costs of wells, batteries and pipelines.

1984 to 1985

The Progressive Conservative government under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney replaces the Liberal government in 1984. The new government signs the Western Energy Accord in 1985, eliminating the National Energy Program.

1985

The federal government deregulates oil prices and opens Canada’s borders to imports and exports.

Oil Royalty holiday programs are introduced to reward successful explorers where previous grant-oriented programs only favoured activity.

Oil royalty holiday programs are introduced to reward successful explorers. Previous grant-oriented programs only favoured activity.

Commercial production begins at Imperial’s Cold Lake Cyclic Steam Stimulation injection project. This method involves injecting high-pressure steam into the bitumen to soften and separate it from the sand.

1985 to 1986

The federal government and East Coast petroleum-producing provinces reach agreements to jointly manage offshore oil and gas resources.

1985

Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and the federal government sign the Agreement on Natural Gas Markets and Prices. It begins the process of natural gas price deregulation in Canada.

After 70 years of production, the Turner Valley Gas Plant is shut down. It is now a provincial and national historic site.

1986

The price of natural gas is deregulated by a federal-provincial agreement. With a resulting decline in natural gas prices, the provincial government allows the Natural Gas Protection Plan to expire.

The Alberta Department of Energy and Natural Resources is succeeded by two new departments: Energy, and Forestry, Lands and Wildlife.

1987

Alberta Energy adds minerals to the online LSAS, which was developed in 1982. This system is in place until 2011.

1988

Alberta Energy publishes a monthly Alberta Average Market Price (AMP) for natural gas/residue gas, given in units of $/1000 3 and $/GJ. This test specifies that the minimum valuation price that may be applied to the Crown's royalty share of production is 80% of the AMP ($/GJ) in effect during the month of sale. The AMP is effective for the production years 1988 to 1993.

1989

Genesee 2, using coal-fired steam turbine equipment, is the first Genesee generation unit to be completed. Its capacity is 410 megawatts.

1990

Canadian refiners eliminate lead as a gasoline additive, completing a phase-out that began in 1973.

The Royalty Simplification project is initiated by the Minister of Energy and Industry to streamline royalty calculation and processing. It continues in 1992 with an industry CEO on the steering committee.

The Gas Utilities Statutes Amendment Act is passed by the Alberta Legislature. It gives non-industrial consumers in Alberta the choice of entering into contracts for gas supply, subject to regulations.

The New York Mercantile Exchange starts trading natural gas futures contracts for delivery at Henry Hub, Louisiana.

1992

The Lloydminster upgrader begins processing heavy oil.

The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers is created. It merges the Canadian Petroleum Association and the Independent Petroleum Association of Canada. The association represents about 200 producers. Their collective production represents nearly 95% of Canada’s total crude oil and natural gas output.

Royalty rates are modified and an additional vintage distinction, called “Third Tier”, is introduced for conventional oil pools discovered after August 31, 1992.

The United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro takes place in June. Canada and more than 160 other nations adopt a philosophy of sustainable development. They agree to begin limiting emissions of greenhouse gases that may contribute to global climate change.

1993

Major royalty changes are introduced, including increased price sensitivity and select price inflation indexing.

A third tier vintage is introduced, and heavy oil vintages are separated from light.

The Alberta Energy Company (AEC, now EnCana) starts reporting daily natural gas spot prices at its gas storage facility at AECO-C near Suffield, Alberta.

The Cowley Ridge wind plant, near Pincher Creek, Alberta is completed, becoming the first commercial wind farm in Canada.

1994

Initial implementation of the new royalty system (a result of the 1990-92 Royalty Simplification project). Industry submits estimated royalty payments.

Functions of Alberta’s Department of Forestry, Land and Wildlife are merged into the Department of Environmental Protection. The Department of Energy is reorganized into 5 new divisions. The AOSTRA is moved under the Department of Energy and eventually moves to Alberta Innovates. AOSTRA promotes the development of new technologies for oil sands and heavy-oil production.

1995

The Alberta Gas Reference Price is implemented. It is a monthly weighted average of an intra-Alberta consumer price and an ex-Alberta border price, reduced by allowances for transporting and marketing gas. (Gas Royalty Guidelines 1994)

Alberta adopts the Electricity Utilities Act to deregulate the energy supply market.

The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (AEUB) is created. It merges the Public Utilities Board and the Energy Resources and Conservation Board (ERCB) (previously the Petroleum and Natural Gas Conservation Board). The aim is to provide a more streamlined and efficient regulatory process. In 2013 the ERCB becomes the Alberta Energy Regulator.

A generic royalty regime for new oil sands projects is recommended. It would provide a smaller royalty share at the beginning of a development and a larger share for the government after the developers have recovered their costs.

1996

The EUB passes rules implementing natural gas customer choice for small consumers in Alberta.

1996 to 1998

Alberta establishes 3 new independent bodies (the Balancing Pool, Transmission Administrator and Market Surveillance Administrator) to ensure open and competitive access to deregulated power markets.

1996 to 1997

The Electric Utilities Act (EUA) passes in 1996. The AEUB holds a hearing to restructure tariffs to implement changes to the electric utility industry introduced in the EUA. Each major utility must apply to separate its generation, transmission and distribution costs. The framework for further restructuring of the electric utility industry is established through the Electric Utilities Amendment Act that passes in 1997.

1997

The Kyoto Protocol treaty is negotiated in December 1997 at the city of Kyoto, Japan. It comes into effect on February 16, 2005.

The Hibernia oil platform is towed to the Hibernia oil field and positioned on the ocean floor in June. It begins producing oil on November 17. The platform stands 224 metres high, which is half the height of New York’s Empire State Building and 33 metres taller than the Calgary Tower.

The generic oil sands royalty regime, the Oil Sands Royalty Regulation, 1997, comes into effect on July 1. It establishes generic royalty terms for all new oil sands projects. Prior to this, royalties for oil sands projects were prescribed in separate Crown agreements, or contracts, for each project. The new regime created a level play field across all projects and encouraged more projects. At the same time, the federal government extends its accelerated capital cost allowance to oil sands projects to encourage their development.

Industry feedback indicated that royalty and related administration cost are approximately one third of the pre ‘94 level. Industry and royalty business rules and business practices continue to evolve as part of the 1990-92 Royalty Simplification project.

1998

Alberta Oil sands: Update on the generic royalty regime is presented in October at the 7th UNITAR conference on heavy crude. The paper explains the generic oil sands royalty regime and its implementation.

1998 to 2006

The Energy department conducts a royalty and related information review before setting up the 2007 Royalty Review Panel.

1999

Alberta Department of Energy is reorganized and renamed the Department of Resource Development. The new department is also responsible for forest industry development and rural utilities.

In July the Ethane and NGLs task force – delivered their final report (PDF, 24 KB) to the Minister.

2000

Alberta establishes retailer licensing and codes of conduct for deregulated electricity markets.

The Alberta government implements the Energy Tax Refund.

Following a major expansion, an ethylene-based petrochemical plant in Joffre becomes the largest co-generation plant in Canada and the second largest in the world. Source: Centre for Energy

Alliance natural gas pipeline begins commercial service after construction is completed from Fort St. John, B.C. to Chicago, Illinois.

Syncrude’s Aurora project is the first remote oil sands plant in Alberta. The project costs about $600 million. Source: Syncrude.

Based on the success of the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority, the government broadens its focus on energy research. It creates the Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI) to explore more opportunities and technologies related to energy and greenhouse gas emission research. AERI will eventually grow into Alberta Innovates in 2010.

2001

Alberta Department of Resource Development becomes the Department of Energy.

The Alberta government provides rebates to consumers of natural gas as natural gas prices reach record levels. Later in 2001, the Natural Gas Price Protection Act is implemented to develop a formal structure for the 2003 Natural Gas rebate program.

The electric utility industry is restructured. The Energy Utilities Board no longer regulates wholesale electricity prices and customers can choose their electricity retailer.

Alberta Justice files a statement of claim on behalf of Alberta Energy. The claim is for the Soldier Settlement Board minerals and revenues earned by Canada since October 1, 1930. Returning war veterans were given surface titles in 1917.

2002

Natural gas in coal, or coalbed methane (CBM), is commercially produced in Alberta for the first time. In late 2002, an internal review begins of government rules and regulations related to CBM development. This review also includes the collection of CBM production and geological data.

BioGem Power Systems partners with the Iron Creek Hutterite Colony to build Alberta’s first commercial biogas system. The system uses manure produced at the colony as its feedstock and sells electricity into the provincial grid.

AltaLink assumes control of Alberta’s largest transmission system (previously owned by TransAlta) to become the first independent transmission provider in Canada. Source: AltaLink.

The natural gas royalty framework is revised to be based on in-stream components.

Cenovus Foster Creek becomes the first commercially viable steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) project (PDF, 248 KB). This would soon become the key recovery method for extracting in-situ bitumen.

Alberta’s first propylene facility becomes operational in Redwater, processing off-gas from the Suncor Energy Inc. oil sands upgraders.

The Alberta mineral development strategy was developed to enhance the potential development of base and precious metals, gemstones, industrial minerals and other solid minerals.

2003

The Alberta government passes the Electric Utilities Act, to further develop a fair, open and competitive electricity market. Under the act, the Power Pool of Alberta merges with the provincial transmission administrator to form the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO). AESO is an independent system operator that manages the competitive electricity wholesale spot market.

2003 to 2009

The Natural Gas Rebate Program ran from January 2003 to March 31, 2009 to protect consumers from high natural gas prices.

In September 2003, a pre-consultation is held with a number of coalbed-methane stakeholder groups to identify and prioritize issues. Landowners, agriculture producers, academics, the energy industry and environmental groups participate. This leads to the formation of the Coalbed Methane/Natural Gas in Coal Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC). A MAC historical document (PDF, 3.0 MB) outlines the terms of reference, preliminary findings and progress into MAC II. MAC provided advice and guidance on the Coalbed Methane consultation process. In 2006, MAC presented its final report, Coalbed Methane/Natural Gas in Coal (PDF, 1.6 MB). One of the recommendations out of MAC was the government should set up a process to facilitate issues around split-title ownership, in 2009, the Freehold oil and gas issues: stakeholder consultation report (PDF, 383 KB) explored options.

2003 to 2004

In December of 2003, Alberta became the first jurisdiction in North America to put a price on carbon by passing the Climate Change and Emissions Management Act. The act outlined mandatory reporting for every person who releases or permits the release of a specified gas into the environment as outlined in Specified Gas Reporting regulation that came into effect in January of 2004.

2004

Changes are introduced to Alberta’s retail electricity and natural gas industries, providing consumers with a choice of utility retailers. A customer choice website is developed to help Albertans select providers. This later becomes the Utilities Consumer Advocate.

The $200-million Innovative Energy Technologies Program (IETP) is announced.

For the first time in Alberta’s history the total annual bitumen production exceeds 1 million barrels per day.

2004 to 2009

An industry/government task force is established to explore competitive opportunities with the refining and petrochemical industries. The Hydrocarbon Upgrading Task Force and related reports are produced in this 5-year span.

2004 to 2014

The Alberta Energy Oil Sands Production Profile: 2004 – 2014 report gives a detailed overview of oil production volumes and extraction technologies.

2005

The Alberta government forms a steering group made up of representatives from environmental organizations, First Nations, industry and government. They produce Alberta’s Mineable Oil Sands Strategy (MOSS). Their draft document is Mineable Oil Sands Strategy: for discussion and their final report is Multistakeholder Committee Final Report.

Genesee Unit 3 is completed. The 450-megawatt unit is Canada’s first generation facility to use supercritical combustion technology for greater fuel efficiency and significantly lower emissions.

Alberta’s Electricity Policy Framework: Competitive-Reliable-Sustainable (2005), examined the regulated rate option (RRO); short and long-term adequacy; and other inter-related market issues.

The executive committees of Alberta Energy, Alberta Environment and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development commit to strengthening the ways they work together. They adopt a sustainable resource and environmental management (SREM) approach. It involves taking joint responsibility to achieve agreed-upon natural resource and environmental outcomes. It builds upon successful models of co-operative integration such as Water for Life. It calls for a change in how the 3 departments conduct their day-to-day business, both within and across departments. It lays a roadmap to align policies and information sharing, and streamline regulatory processes. SREM produces the Land-use Framework (LUF).

2005 to 2006

The second-highest record land sale is recorded. In total, 9,196 parcels are sold for a total bonus of $2,165,464,637.16. The average price per hectare is $693.82. Learn more in tenure statistics.

2006

Alberta’s Nine-Point Bioenergy Plan (PDF, 18 KB) is announced. It provides $239 million in bioenergy funding to support alternative energy development in the province.

The Alberta government approves an allocation of $200 million over 4 years to create the Energy Innovation Fund (EIF) (PDF, 67 KB). The EIF supports building world-class knowledge, expertise and leadership to responsibly develop our vast energy resources for current and future generations.

The Oil Sands Ministerial Strategy committee is directed by cabinet to develop a co-ordinated short-term action plan to address the social, environmental and economic impacts of oil sands developments. Investing in our Future: Responding to the Rapid Growth of Oil Sands Development Final Report is released in December.

During the first quarter, the highest average price per hectare for petroleum and natural gas sales is $774.57.

Development of regional land-use planning begins. It starts with Albertans asking for a broader land-use management plan, followed by a series of ideas, groups and consultations. The Land Use Secretariat and the first regional advisory councils are created. The Alberta Land Stewardship Act makes it possible to support regional plans.

2006 to 2011

The Incremental Ethane Extraction program (IEEP) under the Incremental Ethane Extraction Regulation is established in 2006, with an approved budget of $350 million. The program provides credits to petrochemical companies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions by extracting ethane from the refinery process off-gases. The ethane is upgraded to higher-value petrochemical products such as ethylene and derivatives. The program is amended in 2011. See: Incremental ethane extraction program guidelines and ethane facilities map.

2007

Grants are issued from February 2007 to March 2011 under the Bioenergy Grant Program. The following 3 recipients were feature stories:

• In 1993, the Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries (Al-Pac) pulp mill opened near Boyle, the grant enabled the company to use bark and other waste from the process to generate power for the mill. They also developed a biomethanol product for use in antifreeze, windshield washer fluid, biodiesel and other products.
• Enerkem developed a full-scale commercial waste-to-biofuels plant, located at the Edmonton Waste Management Centre. The plant opened June 4, 2014. Operating at full production, it will convert 115,000 tonnes of waste to 38 million litres of bioethanol. In 2020, the plant reported that it was diverting about 30% of Edmonton’s waste, see trash is a biofuel treasure. The plant started making methanol in 2016, and in 2017 completed the installation of equipment to convert the methanol into higher-priced ethanol.
• West Fraser Mills Ltd.'s pulp mill in Hinton has 5 boilers where 2 byproducts of the pulping process, black liquor and hog fuel, are burned in order to recover cooking chemicals and to produce the steam used for process heating and to generate electricity for the mill. Black liquor is comprised mainly of a wood-derived substance called lignin, while hog fuel is made up of all the waste that is left over when bark is removed from trees. The mill produces almost 260,000 megawatt hours of electricity annually. This includes 11,000 megawatt hours of electricity for the grid – enough power for more than 1,500 households.

The Alberta government eliminates the Alberta Royalty Tax Credit Program. The decision follows a review and consultation with industry and stakeholders.

The Alberta government eliminates the Alberta Royalty Tax Credit Program. The decision follows a review and consultation with industry and stakeholders.

The Oil Sands Consultations Multistakeholder Committee Final Report and the Aboriginal Consultation Final Report are released in July. The reports set out a vision and identify principles to guide the future development of Alberta’s oil sands. The creation of the Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat is recommended to address rapid growth issues in the oil sands regions of Alberta.

The Alberta government set up an expert royalty review panel to review royalties and the tax regime for oil sands, conventional oil and gas and coalbed methane.

The panel report is released on September 18th.

Canada’s premiers release A Shared Vision for Energy in Canada. It highlights the importance of energy conservation, supply, demand and infrastructure to Canada’s continued prosperity. In 2012, all premiers except B.C.’s agree to renew this vision.

Drake Landing Solar Community is announced in September. The planned neighbourhood near Okotoks is heated by a district system that gathers solar energy. It stores it underground in the summer, then uses it to heat homes during the winter. Source: Drake Landing Solar Community.

An Examination of the Alberta Energy and Utilities board Security Measures related to the Alta Link 500 KV hearing is conducted by Justice D.W. Perras.

2007 to 2009

Premier Stelmach announces Alberta’s New Royalty Framework on October 25. The framework increases royalties generated by an internationally competitive energy industry. From the framework: “The government will implement shallow rights reversion (SSR) to maximize extraction of the resource. Under this policy, mineral rights to shallow gas geological formations that are not being developed would revert back to the government and be made available for resale.” SSR means that the rights above the top of the shallowest productive zone in an agreement will be severed from the agreement at continuation. Agreements purchased after January 1, 2009 are subject to SRR. For more information, see Information Letter 2013-13 (PDF, 20 KB). The Alberta Royalty Tax Credit Program (ARTC) is eliminated.

2007 to 2011

From 2007 to 2011 TranAlta’s built Keephills 3, it was Canada’s most advanced coal-fired facility using supercritical boiler technology which featured higher boiler temperatures, higher pressures and a high-efficiency steam turbine. To reduce sulphur emissions by 60 to 80%, but still produce the same amount of power as conventional facilities. By the end of 2021, Keephills 3 was converted from coal to natural gas.

2008

The governments of Alberta and Canada release Canada’s Fossil Energy Future: The Way Forward on Carbon Capture and Storage. It provides advice on how governments and industry can work together to facilitate and support the development of carbon capture and storage opportunities in Canada.

Alberta’s Micro-Generation Regulation is introduced, making it easier for individual Albertans to produce their own renewable power. The regulation allows Albertans to generate their own environmentally friendly electricity and receive credit for extra power sent into the electricity grid.

The first successfully reclaimed site is certified in the Alberta Oil Sands, near Fort McMurray.
Source: Syncrude.

On January 1, 2008, the Alberta Utilities Commission Act splits the Alberta Energy and Utility Board (EUB) into 2 new regulatory bodies. It becomes the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) and the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The AUC is responsible for the distribution and sale of electricity and natural gas to Alberta consumers. On June 17, 2013 the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) succeeds the ERCB to provide full-lifecycle regulatory oversight of energy resource development in Alberta.

On June 30, 2008, Alberta Energy announces the Bitumen Valuation Methodology (BVM). The BVM determines a value to calculate oil sands royalty for bitumen produced in oil sands royalty projects where all or a substantial portion of the production is upgraded on site, sold or transferred to affiliates. The Bitumen Valuation Methodology (Ministerial) Regulation is implemented on January 1, 2009. More information is in Information bulletin 2012-07.

The Land-use Framework (LUF) is developed under the Sustainable Resource and Environmental Management initiative.

The Launching Alberta’s Energy Future: Provincial Energy Strategy is released in December 2008 to chart the course of Alberta’s energy future. The strategy is a long-term action plan for Alberta to achieve clean energy production, wise energy use and sustained economic prosperity. The Renewable Fuels Standard is part of the Provincial Energy Strategy.

2008 to 2009

In 2008, the Alberta government appoints a nuclear power expert panel to prepare a report on nuclear energy. In March 2009, the panel releases their report. By April, nuclear power consultation (PDF, 93 KB) begins. It involves a workbook open for public feedback, randomly enrolled discussion groups, stakeholder discussion groups, and a telephone survey. Participants include 4,832 individual Albertans and a broad range of stakeholder groups. Results (PDF, 90 KB) from the consultation are released on December 14, 2009 and compiled in a report (PDF, 12.1 MB). In Alberta, power generation options are proposed by the private sector in the province. Any nuclear power proposal would be considered on a case-by-case basis, the same as other power generation proposals.

In April 2008, the Carbon Capture Development Council is created. In July 2008, Premier Ed Stelmach announces a $2-billion fund to advance carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. The projects should reduce emissions by up to 5 million tonnes annually by 2015. In 2009, 4 project proponents sign letters of intent with the Alberta government.

In August, the government releases a request for expressions of interest to determine if bitumen royalty in kind could work in Alberta, requests for proposal followed in 2009.

2009

The Alberta New Royalty Framework announced in 2007 comes into effect January 1, 2009.

The Oil Sands Royalty Regulation 2009, the Natural Gas Royalty Regulation and the Petroleum Royalty Regulation take effect.

The Bitumen Valuation Methodology (Ministerial) Regulation provides a method that is used to determine the value of bitumen in the calculation of royalty for oil sands projects where 40% or more of production is either upgraded on site, or sold or transferred to affiliates.

The province announces a 3-point incentive program for the energy sector. Energy Economics - Understanding Royalty (revised December 2010) explains previous royalties in Alberta. Royalties were also compared in this commissioned report Alberta's royalty system: Jurisdictional comparison.

The Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat releases a 20-year plan, Responsible Actions: A Plan for Alberta’s Oil Sands. The Fort Hills lease substitution agreement is signed to extend the term of two oil sands leases.

Under the Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009 (also known as Bill 50), the Alberta government approves the need for 4 critical transmission infrastructure (CTI) projects. It also gives cabinet the authority to designate future transmission facilities as CTI. The Electric Utilities Amendment Act (also known as Bill 8) removes this authority. It now requires all future transmission infrastructure projects to go through a full needs assessment process before the AUC. The Alberta government no longer has the authority to approve the need for future CTI. In the summer a number of electricity transmission information sessions are held around the province. An Alberta Energy poster (PDF, 98 KB) promotes the event. The findings were published in a report, Powering our economy: Critical Transmission Review Committee Report. The government's response report was Investing in the Economy: North-South Corridor Transmission Reinforcement (PDF, 218 KB).

A report was commissioned to produce an Assessment and Analysis of the State-Of-the-Art Electric Transmission Systems with Specific Focus on High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC), Underground or Other New or Developing Technologies then the government responded with the summary of the Electric Transmission Assessment report.

A memorandum of understanding (PDF, 112 KB) is signed with Houston’s Rice University to share nanotech expertise to advance clean energy efforts.

EPCOR announces plans to transfer its power generation business to the newly created Capital Power Corporation, which will operate as a stand-alone public company. Source: Capital Power.

2009 to 2010

In 2009, Alberta Energy’s Tenure Branch begins a business process review (BPR) of its continuation business. (Continuation refers to the system that allows lessees to retain the productive rights in their agreements past the initial term’s expiry date.) The review’s objective is to find efficiencies in continuation operational processes and improve clarity in the business rules. The project includes the creation of a BPR committee in 2010. Members include the Canadian Associations of Petroleum Producers, Petroleum Landmen, Petroleum Land Administration, and the Explorers and Producers of Canada ad Energy Resources Conservation Board (later known as the Alberta Energy Regulator).

2010

After 9 years of negotiations, Alberta Justice returns mineral titles and revenues earned by Canada since 1930 to Alberta. In 1917, surface land titles were provided to returning war veterans through the Soldier Settlement Board (SSB).

Almost half of the oil sands production (47%) is collected in 2010 through in-situ methods.

In April, the Alberta government releases Retail Market Review (PDF, 706 KB).

The highest bonus amount collected by Alberta Energy in 1 year for petroleum and natural gas rights is $2.388 billion.

More than $2.39 billion is netted in a record land sale (PDF, 90 KB). This surpasses every other year and is the first time the province has exceeded $2 billion in sales. The province also establishes a new high for the average price per hectare. The July 7 sale netted an average price of $2,185.03 per hectare, exceeding the previous high of $2,084.86.

Negotiations on Bitumen Royalty in Kind (BRIK) begin in May 2010. By February 2011, an agreement is signed.

2010 to 2011

In May, a Royalty Competitiveness Review is announced (PDF, 101 KB). Industry is informed by webinar. New Well Royalty Regulation is approved in March 2011.

Commissioned by Alberta and industry, an advanced metering study measured electricity consumption behaviour.

The AUC is directed to gather information and report back to the minister on key initiatives on conservation, green energy sources and the regulatory process. They include reviewing the regulatory approval process for hydroelectric facilities; determining how smart grid technology can be used to modernize the electricity system; advanced metering infrastructure to help consumers make more informed decisions on wise electricity use; and reviewing the rules for the regulation of consumer choices for both natural gas and electricity.

In April, Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan launch the New West Partnership. This creates an economic powerhouse of 9 million people with a combined GDP of more than $550 billion. In December, these provinces united to improve access to Asian markets (PDF, 113 KB). See the memorandum of understanding (PDF, 113 KB). In December 2011, the western premiers commit to an Ottawa mission.

The ERCB report more than 2,300 successful oil wells were drilled in 2010, more than double the numbers drilled in 2009. (In 2014, the ERCB becomes the Alberta Energy Regulator.)

The Regulatory Enhancement Task Force deliver reports from 2010 to 2011 to better integrate oil and gas policy and the regulatory system. In January 2011, the task force makes 6 recommendations to government in their final report Enhancing Assurance:

• establish a policy management office tasked with developing a public engagement process, risk assessment and management approach;
• establish a single oil, gas, oil sands and coal regulator;
• provide a clear public engagement process;
• establish a common risk assessment and management approach;
• establish a performance measurement framework and public reporting mechanism; and
• develop an effective mechanism to address landowner concerns.

2010 to 2015

In July 2010, the minister of energy established the Transmission Facilities Cost Monitoring Committee to review transmission facility project records. The committee reported to the Utilities Consumer Advocate the terms of reference are in Ministerial Order 64-20104. Committee reports:

• Transmission Cost Recovery Subcommittee Report (2012) (PDF, 1.3 MB)
• 2015 - December 2015 (PDF, 6.9 MB) and June (PDF, 11.4 MB)
• 2014 - December (PDF, 8 MB) and June (PDF, 14.6 MB)
• 2013 - December (PDF, 12.1 MB) and June (PDF, 10.3 MB)
• 2012 - December (PDF, 7.9 MB) and June (PDF, 7.3 MB)
• 2011 - December (PDF, 23 MB) and June 2011 (PDF, 6.6 MB)

2010 to 2013

In February 2010, the Oil Sands Administrative and Strategic Information System (OASIS) project begins to meet the anticipated growth of oil sands projects. OASIS enables project operators to create and submit oil sands royalty (OSR) project applications online, through the Electronic Transfer System (ETS). OASIS also enhances submission, validation and tracking of royalty and related information. For more information, see oil sands royalties.

An amendment (Bill 24) to the Carbon Capture and Storage Funding Act is introduced in November 2010. It guides how large-scale CCS projects will proceed in Alberta. In March 2011, the Alberta government announces that international experts will guide commercial-scale deployment of CCS (news release (PDF, 99 KB). In July 2012, the ERCB approves the Quest project with conditions. In February 2013, the funding agreement for the Swan Hills Synfuels project is cancelled.

2011

Alberta Energy’s online Land Status Automated System originally developed in 1982 for all surface and mineral information in the province is upgraded to 2 new systems. Alberta Mineral Information (AMI) containing Crown mineral dispositions and activities is launched in January. Geographic Land Information Management and Planning System containing Alberta surface public lands is launched in March. The systems contain more than 2.3 million components. Of these, 1.5 million pertain to wells. For more information, see searches.

The 5-year Incremental Ethane Extraction program (IEEP) that was approved in 2006 expands in 2011 to support continued growth of Alberta’s petrochemical sector. Ethane extraction during bitumen upgrading reduces greenhouse gas emissions and boosts value-added production.

The federal government partners with industry to bring new natural gas technology to market. The federal government will contribute $750,000 towards a project facilitated by the not-for-profit industry and stakeholder association, Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada. Alberta Energy is contributing $250,000 towards the total project cost. A clean energy centre is established for biomass technologies./td>

Alberta implements a Renewable Fuels Standard on April 1. It requires an annual average of 2% renewable diesel in diesel fuel and 5% renewable alcohol in gasoline sold in Alberta.

In June, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), the province’s electricity system planner, releases a long-term transmission plan.

The Innovative Energy Technologies program (IETP) created in 2004 announces another 6 projects in July, bringing the total number of projects to 37.

In July, Alberta hosts Canada’s energy and mines ministers’ conference in Kananaskis. A Canadian energy strategy is discussed and a national action plan review scheduled for 2012.

In October, the AUC introduces changes to utility disconnection and reconnection practices to protect vulnerable customers. This AUC initiative co-ordinates energy companies, social agencies and the privacy commissioner.

The Oil Sands Information Portal launches in November. It allows easy access to data, making Alberta industry information more transparent. It includes searchable data, highlighting things such as facility-specific water use, greenhouse gas emissions, tailings pond size, and land disturbance and reclamation.

2011 to 2012

The AER commissioned a 2 phase technical factor study to determine Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) potential in Alberta, economic factors like oil prices and future estimates are not addressed in this study. Identification of Enhanced Oil Recovery Potential in Alberta – Phase 1 (PDF, 2.3 MB) created an analyzed an inventory to determine potential success factors then Identification of Enhanced Oil Recovery Potential in Alberta – Phase 2 (PDF, 37 MB) used findings in phase 1 to apply screening criteria to all oil pools in Alberta.

In December 2011, the Critical Transmission Review Committee was charged with reviewing timing, technology and forecasts in the AESO’s plan for critical transmission infrastructure between Edmonton and Calgary. CTRC also identified appropriate changes to the Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009 in their report, Powering our economy: Critical Transmission Review Committee Report. The government’s response was, Investing in the Economy: North-South Corridor Transmission Reinforcement. In March, the Alberta government appoints the Retail Market Review Committee (RMRC), an independent committee to review the electricity retail market. They are to help address the volatility and costs associated with the variable, or default, rate in Alberta’s competitive market.

Electricity planning is on the schedule for the last quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012. In December, the Alberta government announces the Critical Transmission Review Committee. This independent expert panel will examine plans for 2 high-voltage transmission lines between the Edmonton and Calgary regions. Their report is released in February. Ten days later, the government accepts the recommendations, issues a response and agrees to review the variable, regulated retail electricity rate. In March, the Alberta government appoints the Retail Market Review Committee (RMRC), an independent committee to review the electricity retail market. They are to help address the volatility and costs associated with the variable, or default, rate in Alberta’s competitive market.

2011 to 2014

The RMRC makes recommendations to strengthen the electricity market. The Power for the people (PDF, 5.5 MB) and Highlights (PDF, 281 KB) are released in January 2013 with 41 recommendations. Of those, 33 recommendations are accepted in principle and referred to an MLA implementation team. The team works with consumers, industry, regulators and others to ensure effective, affordable and sensible solutions are in place. Finally in December of 2014, the MLA-RMRC implementation team reports on the recommendations from the RMRC to benefit electricity consumers.

The RMRC makes recommendations to strengthen the electricity market. The RMRC Report (PDF, 5.5 MB) and Highlights (PDF, 281 KB) are released in January 2013 with 41 recommendations. Of those, 33 recommendations are accepted in principle and referred to an MLA implementation team. The team works with consumers, industry, regulators and others to ensure effective, affordable and sensible solutions are in place. Finally in December of 2014, the MLA-RMRC implementation team reports on the recommendations from the RMRC to benefit electricity consumers.

2012

The New West Partnership (Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan) announce new rules to streamline registration on July 1, 2012. In September 2012, Premier Redford and other members promote the New West Partnership in China.

The Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat produces Comprehensive Regional Infrastructure Sustainability Plans (CRISP). CRISP is the new long-term and collaborative approach to planning infrastructure in Alberta’s 3 oil sands areas.

Canadian premiers agree to develop a Canadian Energy Strategy. Strategy documents can be found on the Canada’s Premiers site.

On June 7, the Plains Midstream Canada’s Rangeland pipeline has a release into the Red Deer River via Jackson Creek. Premier Redford issues a statement the following day.

On July 9, 2012, rolling electrical outages occur across the province. They are caused by generation outages combined with minimal wind generation and record-high demand for power. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is the independent agency that manages Alberta’s electricity grid. It requests transmission facility operators and distribution companies to curtail power to prevent system failure.

Under the EU pathway study, several reports were commissioned to study the lifecycle of the GHG associated with crude oils used in the European Union.

On August 22, the Lower Athabasca Regional Plan is announced. It is the first regional plan under the Land-use Framework (LUF).

The Responsible Energy Development Act passes. It is a 1-stop approach, making it easier for Albertans and industry to navigate the system.

In November, the Petroleum Registry of Alberta becomes Petrinex (Petroleum. Information. Excellence.).

In-situ bitumen production exceeds mined production in a calendar year for the first time. In-situ production was about 992,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) or 52% and mined production was 930,000 (bb/d) or 48%.

2012 to 2015

In July, Minister Hughes requests that the ERCB retain an independent third party to examine elements of the province’s pipeline system. The ERCB issues a Request for Proposal (RFP) on the Alberta Purchasing Connection website. On September 10, the ERCB announces that Group 10 Engineering Ltd. has been awarded the contract. (ERCB becomes the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) during the contract). On August 23, 2013 the Group 10 final report (PDF, 879 KB) and Appendices (PDF, 5.4 MB) are released to the public and feedback is gathered. In March 2015, the Auditor General audits Alberta’s pipeline safety and recommendations. The AER responds with a report (PDF, 145 KB) for the Minister of Energy.

2013

Five new pilot projects are announced in April under the Innovative Energy Technology Program (IETP).

On June 17, the AER succeeds the ERCB and is given more powers through regulatory enhancement. This includes a new registry for surface agreements and the authority to administer the Public Lands Act for energy projects.

On July 25, the Alberta government announces an Urban Development Sub-region of more than 55,000 acres of Crown land for urban expansion in Fort McMurray.

Alberta signs the historic Framework Agreement on Sustainable Energy Development with China to increase energy trade and collaboration between the 2 jurisdictions.

In December, the AER launches the Private Surface Agreements Registry (PSAR) as part of a Phase 2 implementation of the Responsible Energy Development Act. Under PSAR, landowners and occupants can register surface agreements made with energy companies operating on their property. If a landowner feels that a company is not meeting a term or condition of a registered agreement, they can request that the AER intervene. If the AER determines that the company is not meeting the terms of the agreement, it can issue an order to comply.

The Building New Petroleum Markets Act is passed under the Petroleum Marketing Act (Bill 34). It boosts the government’s ability to respond more quickly to changing market conditions and empowers it to proactively seek out opportunities for Alberta’s energy products. The legislation allows the minister of energy to set the strategic priorities of the Alberta Petroleum Marketing Commission (APMC).

2013 to 2014

On December 19, the Independent Joint Review Panel recommends approval of the Northern Gateway pipeline. The recommendation, which was sent to the federal cabinet for final approval, marks a critical milestone toward getting Alberta’s oil to new international markets. Ministers respond to the Gateway decision in a news release. Alberta Energy commissions an Arctic Energy Gateway report to examine the technical feasibility of producers transporting bitumen blend from the oil sands north to the Beaufort Sea coastline to access world markets in the Asia-Pacific region and the Atlantic coasts.

2014

The AER completes its transition under regulatory enhancement to a single regulator for energy development in Alberta on March 31. In June an agreement is signed with Mexico to work collaboratively on regulatory best practices in the development of hydrocarbon resources.

Alberta celebrates 100 years of oil and gas exploration with the centennial of the Dingman #1 well discovering oil in the Turner Valley. The Canadian Association of Petroleum producers (CAPP) produces a video celebrating the anniversary.

In October Premier Prentice issues a statement encouraging the National Energy Board to review TransCanada's Energy East application.

Also in November, Canada’s Gas Tax Fund supports local infrastructure priorities throughout Alberta.

Alberta commissions a report to study detection and monitor methods for wellbore leakage, Toward a Road Map for Mitigating the Rates and Occurrences of Long-Term Wellbore Leakage.

A report, the Energy Potential and Metrics Study – An Alberta Context was commissioned to explain energy availability, energy density and the environmental impact of a wide range of energy resources and pathways in Alberta.

2015

In June, steps towards a climate change strategy and a royalty review chair are announced to set up the 2015 Royalty Review Panel.

On August 28, 2015, the Government of Alberta announced the establishment of the Royalty Review Advisory Panel. The mandate of the Panel was to identify opportunities to optimize Alberta’s royalty framework for crude oil and liquids, natural gas and oil sands.

The energy minister visits the Nexen spill site in July. Premiers adopt the Canadian Energy Strategy (CES) at the 56th Annual Premiers’ Conference.

The Alberta Royalty Review is officially underway in August. Community engagement sessions are announced the following month and telephone town halls with more community sessions in October.

In November, the Climate Leadership Plan looks to transition away from coal and have 30% of the electricity grid supplied by renewable energy by 2030.

Bitumen Quality was reviewed anonymously through aggregated assays in the Bitumen Assay Program (BAP) Aggregate Assay Information.

2016

Premier Notley’s statement on Alberta NEB submission supporting Trans Mountain pipeline is sent to the National Energy Board on January 12. See Alberta's NEB submission (PDF, 2.0 MB).

Alberta’s New Royalty Framework is released on January 29, forming the Modernized Royalty Framework.

The Petrochemicals Diversification Program is announced in February. It encourages companies to invest in the development of new Alberta petrochemical facilities by providing up to $500 million in incentives through royalty credits. Of 16 applications submitted, 2 approved projects are announced in December.

The investment of more than $5 million is announced in February to help municipalities and farmers harness the power of the sun and support local jobs. This is part of Alberta’s Climate Leadership Plan.

In March, Premier Notley supports the Canada-U.S. agreement to cut methane emissions and the signing of the Paris Agreement on climate change. Minister McCuaig-Boyd and the British High Commissioner to Canada Howard Drake sign a U.K.-Alberta Low Carbon Innovation and Growth Framework Agreement (PDF, 143 KB). Also under the Climate Leadership Plan, Terry Boston, the retired head of North America’s largest power grid, is hired to lead discussions with coal-fired electricity generation owners as the province transitions from coal to cleaner sources of power.

The National Energy Board announces the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project.

The minister of Environment and Parks establishes the Energy Efficiency Advisory Panel in June.

July is the last month to submit applications to some bioenergy programs. Look for more information in the future under the Climate leadership plan. An oil sands advisory group is added to the plan.

Royalty programs and an early opt-in option are announced in July under the Modernized Royalty Framework.

Court action is launched in July to protect power consumers from paying costs of unlawful “Enron clause.”

In September, the Alberta government announces that a firm target of 30% of electricity used in Alberta will come from renewable sources such as wind, hydro and solar by 2030.

In October an Energy Diversification Advisory Committee is created to help diversify the energy sector and explore opportunities for more investment in Alberta’s energy industries. This initiative follows advice of the Royalty Review Advisory Panel. It recommends that Alberta seize opportunities to position the energy industry for long-term success, while building on initiatives such as the Petrochemicals Diversification Program (PDP), announced in February 2016.

In October, several programs are announced under the Climate Leadership Plan:

• Indigenous renewal pilot program
• additional funding for Emissions Reduction Alberta to reduce methane emissions
• funding for solar panels at new schools
• Energy Efficiency Alberta programs
• farmers to benefit from expansion of efficiency grants
• transitional support for bioenergy producers to move them to the Bioenergy Producer Program

In November, 5 electricity news releases are announced:

• Price cap protection for consumers
• Capacity market
• Coal transition action
• Door-to-door energy sales ban
• More stability for consumers (Bill 34, Electric Utilities Amendment Act)

In November, the Oil Sands Emissions Limit Act is introduced under the Climate Leadership Plan.

Near the end of the year, the Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat closes.

In December, the micro-generation regulation is changed to increase the size limit from 1 to 5 megawatts, allowing for more green electricity.

The Alberta Royalty Review, initiated in 2015, resulted in changes to several petroleum, natural gas and oil sands royalty related regulations that came into effect on January 1, 2017. The updated regulations included:

• Oils Sands Royalty Regulation, 2009
• The Mines and Minerals Administration Regulation
• Oil Sands Allowed Costs (Ministerial) Regulation
• The Bitumen Valuation Methodology (Ministerial) Regulation
• The Dispute Resolution Regulation

In addition, the Natural Gas Royalty Regulation and Petroleum Royalty Regulation take effect.

2017

The boundaries of the expanded Castle Wildland Provincial Park and the new Castle Provincial Park under regional planning are set in January. This brings one of the most biologically diverse areas in Alberta under provincial protection. The parks are announced on January 20, 2017. Public input is outlined in a news release on March first. The cancellation and compensation is covered under the Mineral Rights Compensation Regulation.

The Leduc #1 strike was a turning point in Alberta’s history. To celebrate its 70th anniversary, the minister of Energy declares February 13, 2017 Alberta Oil and Gas Celebration Day.

The Renewable Electricity Program is launched in March. It is expected to attract at least $10.5 billion of investment into Alberta’s economy by 2030 and create more than 7,200 jobs for Albertans. In the same month, the province directs the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to conduct a formal study to explore greener community power generation. This would help inform government as it develops policy to meet the demand for more local electricity generation.

A drilling activity news release in April announces an increase in new wells drilled and active rigs in the first quarter of 2017. Alberta operators drilled 1,199 wells during the first 3 months of 2017 compared with 519 a year ago. This is a 131% increase in activity, according to industry figures. This is the largest increase in activity and the highest number of wells drilled overall in Western Canada from January to March.

The province begins working with industry and experts in May to improve policies for managing old oil and gas facilities. This would better protect Albertans and the environment. A couple of weeks later, legislation is introduced that would allow Alberta to lend the Orphan Well Association (OWA) $235 million. This will speed up proper abandonment and reclamation of a growing number of oil and gas well sites that no longer have a responsible owner. Learn more about how Alberta is addressing upstream oil and gas liability and the orphan well inventory.

Alberta is granted intervener status on the Trans Mountain Pipeline in May. The province will be allowed to make both written and oral submissions. The judicial review is advanced by municipalities, First Nations and environmental groups. It challenges the National Energy Board’s report and recommendation as well as the federal Governor in Council’s Order in Council approving expansion.

An Act to Cap Regulated Electricity Rates is proposed in May. The price cap program was implemented in 2017 to protect Albertans from volatile electricity prices while the province transitioned to a capacity market for electricity. With government’s decision to halt the transition to a capacity market and maintain an energy-only market in 2019, the price cap was no longer needed. The price cap ensured consumers on the RRO would pay no more than 6.8 cents per kilowatt hour for electricity until May 31, 2021.

In June the Minister sent a submission (PDF, 2 MB) to the National Energy Board (NEB) requesting that the NEB Act be modified

Electricity Stakeholder consultations begin in August to work towards the Capacity Market Framework.

Premier Notley releases a statement in August to celebrate the start of construction on the Enbridge Line 3 replacement pipeline.

Premier Notley, Japanese representatives and local officials mark a $2-billion expansion of the Japan Canada Oil Sands Ltd. (JACOS) Hangingstone project near Fort McMurray in September. This SAGD project is the culmination of the largest investment made in Alberta by JACOS in its 40 years in the province.

The Renewable Electricity Program enters the request for proposals stage in September.

A Calgary startup is revolutionizing pipeline safety and expects to double its workforce over the next 3 years. It will do so with support from the Alberta Small Business Innovation and Research Initiative at Alberta Innovates.

The end of 2017 brings the final investment decision by Calgary-based Inter Pipeline. Two new facilities will be built in the Industrial Heartland, near Fort Saskatchewan. They will process propane into value-added plastics products. At the peak of construction, an estimated 2,300 direct full-time jobs will be created. Once complete, the facilities will employ 180 people full-time. Inter Pipeline is approved to receive royalty credits under Alberta’s Petrochemicals Diversification Program (PDP). PDP is part of the Alberta Jobs Plan to encourage investment in developing new petrochemicals facilities in Alberta. The PDP is regulated under the Energy Diversification Act.

Regulatory changes occur in December. The Alberta government works with the AER on amending a key requirement, known as Directive 67. Now companies that walk away from wells or other oil and gas infrastructure without cleaning up will be subject to greater scrutiny and AER discretion if they apply to start new companies. Also, Carbon Competitiveness Incentives (CCIs) replace the Specified Gas Emitters Regulation. CCIs attract investment in clean technology, protect and create jobs and diversify Alberta’s economy while reducing carbon pollution.

Three companies are chosen in the opening round of the Renewable Electricity Program. This will result in about $1 billion of private-sector investment in green power generation in Alberta. The successful bids have set a record for the lowest renewable electricity pricing in Canada.

Inter Pipeline is approved to receive royalty credits under Alberta’s Petrochemicals Diversification Program. In February, the Energy Diversification Advisory committee releases its final report and recommendations. The Energy Diversification Act is announced in March and passes in June.

The Regulated Rate Option is the default electricity contract for the vast majority of Albertans. But it does not apply to Medicine Hat consumers because the city operates its own power utilities. To ensure Medicine Hat residents receive the same protections as other Albertans, the province works with the municipality to develop a regulation that keeps electricity prices stable and affordable.

2017 to 2018

Premier Notley speaks about pipelines in November, February, April and May.

2018

In March, an agreement is reached on the Power Purchase Arrangement.

In April, competition opens for the second and third rounds of the Renewable Electricity Program.

An Act to Secure Alberta’s Electricity Future is announced in April to create a capacity market for electricity in Alberta.

The AER releases methane reduction draft directives in April.

In May, 9 Alberta oil sands technologies receive more than $70 million through the Oil Sands Innovation Challenge. This will support economic growth in the oil sands sector.

In August, the AER announces the integrated decision approach to improve approvals. To date, this approach has saved industry more than $140 million, with an expected $600 million in direct savings by 2021. In several pilots, the regulatory review was reduced from an estimated 5 years to just 15 months.

The grand opening of Fort Hills and $400-million investment by Nexen occur in September.

In November and December, Premier Notley announces several initiatives to protect Alberta resources: fighting for more value for Alberta oil; protecting the value of resources; and fighting for full value of natural gas.

2019

Production limits were introduced in January 2019 to align production with export capacity, protecting the value of the province’s oil by helping prevent Canadian crude from selling at large discounts. The initial target in January 2019 was 3.56 million barrels per day, this gradually increased to 3.81, the limit ended in December 2020. The curtailment policy expired in December 2021. 

The Royalty Guarantee Act announced in June provides certainty that no major changes will be made to the current oil and gas royalty structure for a period of at least 10 years and the production limit is changed for August and September.

The electricity capacity market plans are cancelled in July. In fall 2019, government launched a review to examine concerns from consumer representatives about certain parties gaining too much control of Alberta’s electricity market following the expiry of Power Purchase Arrangements (PPAs). At the same time, electricity suppliers raised concerns about unnecessary market control mitigation strategies.

In August the National Energy Board (NEB) becomes the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER).

The electricity capacity market plans are cancelled in July 2019, then in October the Electricity Statutes (Capacity Market Termination) Amendment Act , Bill 18 received royal assent was introduced to return to an energy-only market.
News release

In August the National Energy Board (NEB) becomes the Canadian Energy Regulator (CER). In September the Associate Minister of Natural Gas agreed with the CER decision to revise natural gas pipeline storage during maintenance periods.
News release

2019 to 2020

An AER review was announced in September in October the ethics commissioner reported and the minister asked the interim board to implement recommendations.

• News release
• Ethics commissioner
• Minister’s statement
• Board appointments
• Act holds AER accountable

2019 to 2022

Since 2019, Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan worked together to develop a plan for small modular reactors in Canada through an interprovincial memorandum of understanding (MOU). Alberta joined the MOU in April 2021. The plan, A Strategic Plan for the Deployment of Small Modular Reactors was released in March. It highlights how SMRs can provide safe, reliable and zero-emissions energy to power our growing economy and population while creating new opportunities to export Canadian knowledge and expertise around the world.

2020

The Technology innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) came into effect January 1.

Preliminary agreement with the federal government signed for methane emission reduction.

In April, Premier Kenney issued a statement on the federal government’s energy stimulus package.

Review finds protections are in place for the electricity market.

The Site Rehabilitation Program is announced in April it will begin in May.

In May, a helium royalty rate is set at 4.25%.

Coal development news:

• Updated coal rules
• Coal lease cancellation
• 1976 coal policy reinstated
• Coal consultation
• Coal Policy Committee
• Coal exploration halted on Category 2 lands

The Utility Payment Deferral Program successfully supported Albertans through the initial months of the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 245,000 electricity customers and 181,000 natural gas customers – representing 16% of each consumer base – have deferred utility payments through the program, which concluded on June 18, 2020.

The program applied to bills for residences, farms and small businesses.

Most participants repaid their deferred payments by June 18, 2021. The outstanding payments were added to a small, temporary rate rider – a fee paid by all utility customers in the province – with one for natural gas and one for electricity. Rate riders are commonly used to address unanticipated costs incurred by a regulated utility provider. The amount was determined on August 18, 2021, by the Alberta Utilities Commission. From November 1, 2021 to February 2022, “Utility Deferral Adjustment” rate riders – one for electricity and one for natural gas – appeared on consumer utility bills.

• Electricity rate rider – 0.045 cents per kilowatt-hour (an average residential consumption of 600 kilowatt-hour pays 27 cents per month).
• Natural gas rate rider – 3.7 cents per gigajoule (an average residential winter consumption of 21 gigajoules pays 78 cents per month).

The 10-year Petrochemical Incentive grant program is announced in July.

The Carbon Capture and Storage project Shell Quest reached a milestone, since 2015, 5,000,000 tonnes of emissions have been safely captured.

A mineral advisory council is announced to help unlock the geological potential for lithium, vanadium, uranium, rare earth elements, diamonds, and potash.

The Natural gas vision and strategy is announced in October.

Alberta signs a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with New Brunswick, Ontario and Saskatchewan to support the development of small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).

2021

A new agreement for the Sturgeon refinery was announced in July.

Building a future for critical and rare earth minerals, was announced in November, for more information, see the mineral strategy and action plan.

Alberta on the path to a bright hydrogen future, was announced in the same month, for more information see the Hydrogen roadmap.

Also in November a $2.5 billion investment for a major petrochemical facility is announced for northwest Alberta as part of the recovery plan.

The Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) program announces through Alberta Innovates that the program's 23 projects are expected to support a total of 1,307 project-related jobs for Albertans while contributing $169 million to the province's GDP.

A MOU is signed to expand market access with Japan also in November.

The year ends with the expiry of the curtailment policy on oil production limits and the delivery of a coal policy report.

2022

The first progress report on methane emissions reduction indicates the reduction goal will be reached by 2025. Emissions from the oil and gas sector decreased by about 34% between 2014 and 2020.

A MOU is signed in January strengthening Alberta’s relationship with Alaska.

On March 4th, all new coal-related exploration and development activities in the Eastern Slopes was restricted, the reinstated 1976 coal policy also remains in place.

In mid-March, the province invested $13 million to support 22 projects through Alberta Innovates. Thirteen projects are receiving funding through the Digital Innovation in Clean Energy (DICE) program and nine through the Clean Resources business unit.