News Releases and Backgrounders

Government moves forward on carbon capture projects (June 30, 2009)
Edmonton... The Alberta government has completed its evaluation of projects applying for $2 billion in funding for carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects.
As a result, government officials will pursue letters of intent with proponents of the three following projects:
- Enhance / Northwest for The Alberta Carbon Trunk Line
- EPCOR/Enbridge for an integrated gasification combined-cycle carbon capture power generation
- Shell Canada Energy/ Chevron Canada Ltd./ Marathon Oil Sands L.P. (Scotford Upgrader)

Regulated rate for electricity adjusted July 1 (June 30, 2009)
Month-to-month default rate remains an option for consumers
Edmonton... Alberta’s Regulated Rate Option (RRO) will be adjusted July 1 to better reflect current market prices. The RRO varies month to month and is based on a combination of short and long-term market prices.

Province extends energy incentive programs; moves forward on competitiveness review (June 25, 2009)
Extension timed to support increased drilling activity
Edmonton…The Alberta government will extend two programs announced last March to help keep Albertans working in the province’s energy sector during the current global economic slowdown. The programs will be extended by one year to March 2011.

Final deadline approaches for consumers applying for natural gas rebates (June 12, 2009)
Edmonton... Consumers who use natural gas, propane or home heating oil have until June 30, 2009 to apply for rebates under the 2008/2009 Natural Gas Rebate Program.
Most natural gas consumers have already had their rebates credited to their natural gas bills this past winter heating season.

Alberta's Bitumen Production Forecast To Continue To Grow (June 10, 2009) ERCB release
Alberta expected to produce over 3 million barrels of oil per day by 2018
Calgary, Alberta...  The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has released its annual report Alberta's Reserves 2008 and Supply/Demand Outlook 2009-2018. Based on the ERCB’s own geological and technical analysis, this report is a source of information on the state of reserves and the supply and demand for Alberta's diverse energy resources: bitumen, crude oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, coal, and sulphur. It includes estimates of reserves at December 31, 2008 and a 10-year supply/demand forecast for each resource. A supply/demand forecast of electricity in Alberta is also provided. The report also includes historical data for energy resources production.

New legislation to help ensure much-needed power lines are built (June 1, 2009)
Government to identify need for critical electricity transmission
Edmonton...Through proposed new legislation, the Government of Alberta will ensure that critically needed upgrades to the province’s electricity transmission system are built in a timely manner to continue delivering the power Albertans need at home and for work.

Province supports nine innovative energy projects (May 14, 2009)
Edmonton… The Government of Alberta is strengthening its commitment to establishing the province as a world-class centre for responsible energy development through funding for nine innovative energy projects.  “Alberta is once again demonstrating global leadership in the advancement of innovate energy technologies,” says Energy Minister Mel Knight. “This investment in Alberta’s future is a clear indicator that this government will continue to take positive steps to position Alberta as a science, technology, and clean energy leader.”

MLA Len Mitzel represents Alberta at Montana conference (May 7, 2009)
Energy, environment among topics discussed during two-day event
Edmonton... Len Mitzel, MLA for Cypress Hills-Medicine Hat, will travel to Great Falls, Montana to discuss energy, trade and the environment at the Wheeler Conference May 13 and 14.  Montana and Canada:  Reaching across the 49th Parallel, is hosted by Montana’s Burton K. Wheeler Centre and the Canadian Consulate General - Denver. The conference will address areas of interest to Montana and the three Canadian provinces it borders:  Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Alberta to study new technologies for electricity transmission (May 7, 2009)
Edmonton...Underground transmission of high-voltage power lines is one option for consideration under a new study of electricity system technologies to be commissioned by Alberta Energy.  “It’s important for us to explore all options for strengthening our transmission system,” said Energy Minister Mel Knight. “We need to understand the costs and benefits of new technology before making decisions.”

Nuclear consultation begins in Alberta (April 27, 2009)
Workbook and survey now available
Edmonton... The Alberta government is encouraging Albertans to share their views on whether nuclear power is an appropriate addition to the province’s energy options.  An interactive online workbook and survey are now available at www.energy.alberta.ca. This workbook is organized by key questions and topics often raised in discussions about nuclear energy with information based on the recent report of the Nuclear Power Expert Panel. Hard copies of the workbook and survey can also be submitted and are available online or by phoning toll-free 310-0000, then 780-427-0265. The survey was open until June 1.

Energy Minister visits Houston to discuss Alberta’s growing role in North American energy security (April 20, 2009)
Edmonton...Energy Minister Mel Knight will highlight Alberta’s position as a world energy leader at a meeting of U.S. oil industry executives on April 23 in Houston, Texas.  The minister will be the keynote speaker at a meeting with the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) Downstream Committee.

Alberta government releases Nuclear Power Expert Panel report (March 26, 2009)
Process to gather views from Albertans begins next month
Edmonton... The Alberta government has released the report of the Nuclear Power Expert Panel. Albertans will now be asked to share their views on the issues covered in the report and the option of nuclear power generation in Alberta.  “The Expert Panel has provided a factual report that provides the basis for a fully informed discussion in Alberta on this issue,” said Energy Minister Mel Knight. “I would like to thank the members of the Expert Panel for their work.”
Read More - Read Report

Oil sands developer commits to upgrading capacity (March 23, 2009)
Fort Hills Energy will reimburse Alberta taxpayers if plans fall through
Edmonton... Alberta is poised to see an increase in its oil sands upgrader capacity. In an agreement reached late last week, the Fort Hills Energy Corporation committed to increase upgrading capacity in Alberta in exchange for an extension of two oil sands leases 90 kilometres north of Fort McMurray. If the company is unable to follow through on its value-added plans, it will reimburse Alberta taxpayers up to $500 million in lost revenue.

Alberta receives prestigious award for carbon capture and storage (March 23, 2009)
Energy minister travels to Aspen, Colorado to accept award for leadership and innovation
Edmonton... Alberta is being recognized by a U.S. energy and environment organization for its commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through carbon capture and storage technology.  The Aspen Institute awards recognize excellence for those making a real contribution to innovation, implementation and communication of energy and environmental solutions. Energy Minister Mel Knight is traveling to Aspen, Colorado on March 26 to accept the Government Award on behalf of the Province, see the video and more information on CCS. 

Webber represents Alberta at energy roundtable in Nevada (March 19, 2009)
MLA will also meet with California state legislators
Edmonton... Len Webber, MLA for Calgary-Foothills and Alberta Energy Parliamentary Assistant, will showcase Alberta’s commitment to responsible energy development and the environment at events in Sacramento, California and Las Vegas, Nevada from March 24-29.

New energy legislation promotes sustainable energy production (March 18, 2009)
Energy Statutes Amendment Act updates existing legislation
Edmonton... New legislation introduced in the Alberta Legislature will expand the orphan well liability program to include large energy facilities, give the province the authority to take bitumen royalty-in-kind and eliminate inefficiencies found in current energy legislation.

Alberta continues to explore cleaner energy from coal (March 17, 2009)
Clean gas produced more than 1000 metres below earth's surface
Edmonton.... Alberta is hosting demonstration of deep underground coal gasification - the first such project in North America, and the deepest underground coal gasification ever conducted in the world.  The Government of Alberta, through the Alberta Energy Research Institute (AERI), is providing $8.83 million for the $30-million project with Swan Hills Synfuels of Calgary.

Province announces three-point incentive program for energy sector (March 3, 2009)
Short-term initiative to stimulate new and continued economic activity
Edmonton…The Government of Alberta has announced a new three-point incentive program designed to help keep Albertans working in the province’s energy sector during the current global economic slowdown. Read More - Royalty Information - Fact Sheet - FAQ Incentive program - New Well Reduction - Orphan Well Grant Agreement and Workplan

MLAs Webber and Oberle to represent Alberta at energy conference (March 3, 2009)
Webber to also promote Alberta at reception in Springfield, Illinois
Edmonton... Alberta’s role in securing North American energy cooperation will be a key topic explored at the 2009 Federal Energy and Environmental Matters Conference in Washington, D.C., March 5-8. The province will be represented by MLA Len Webber, Parliamentary Assistant for Energy, and MLA Frank Oberle, who will join more than 100 delegates from across Canada and the United States.

Natural Gas Rebates not triggered for March (March 2, 2009)
Edmonton ... For the second month in a row, low natural gas prices mean that a natural gas rebate will not be issued to Alberta consumers.  Natural gas rebates are triggered when two of the three regulated natural gas companies charge regulated rates above $5.50 per gigajoule (GJ). This March, all three regulated gas companies have charged regulated rates below $4.75/GJ. In comparison, natural gas prices in March 2008 averaged $9.25/GJ. The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has verified the natural gas costs of the major service providers, and a rebate will not be triggered for March.

Legislation authorizes carbon capture and storage funding (February 19, 2009)
$2 billion will help fund three to five large-scale projects
Edmonton... The Government of Alberta has introduced new legislation that provides the legal authority to administer the $2 billion in provincial funding for carbon capture and storage (CCS) announced by Premier Ed Stelmach in July 2008.  “The Government of Alberta is investing in the science of solutions,” said Energy Minister Mel Knight. “This new bill demonstrates the Government of Alberta’s commitment to its goal of clean energy production. We expect the carbon capture and storage projects built with these funds will reduce CO2 emissions by five million tonnes annually by 2015.”

ERCB and Alberta Environment call for input on thermal in situ oil sands water use (February 18, 2009)
New directive to save an estimated 220.5 million barrels of fresh water over 10 years 
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) and Alberta Environment are calling for feedback from stakeholders on a draft directive, which proposes new requirements for the measurement, reporting, and use of water in thermal in situ oil sands operations that will save an estimated 220.5 million barrels of fresh water over the next 10 years.

Province outlines long-term development plan for Alberta's oil sands (February 12, 2009)
20-year strategic plan outlines vision for sustainable and responsible growth
Fort McMurray... The Government of Alberta has released a comprehensive 20-year strategic plan for Alberta’s oil sands that aims to reduce the environmental footprint, optimize economic growth, and increase the quality of life in Alberta’s oil sands regions.  “When it comes to Alberta’s oil sands, we believe that Canada can be a leader in finding innovative ways to ensure both economic growth and greater environmental protection,” said Lloyd Snelgrove, President of the Treasury Board and Minister responsible for the Oil Sands Sustainable Development Secretariat.

ERCB releases major directive on oil sands tailings management and enforcement criteria (February 3, 2009)
Calgary... The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) has issued a Directive which develops new industry-wide criteria for managing oil sands tailings, and specific enforcement actions if tailings performance targets are not met.

Natural Gas Rebates not triggered for February (February 2, 2009)
Edmonton ... Due to low natural gas prices, a natural gas rebate will not be issued to Alberta consumers in February.
Natural gas prices are set in an integrated North American marketplace where the price of natural gas is determined based on supply and demand.  Natural gas rebates are triggered when two of the three regulated natural gas companies charge regulated rates above $5.50 per gigajoule (GJ). The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has verified the natural gas costs of the major service providers, and a rebate will not be triggered for February. This is the fifth time during the past 33 winter months that a rebate has not been issued.

Alberta's energy future highlights London conference (January 8, 2009)
Energy Minister to give keynote address at oil sands forum
Edmonton... Alberta’s commitment to clean energy production, wise energy use and sustained prosperity for the future will be highlighted by Energy Minister Mel Knight when he addresses an oil sands forum in London, England.

Natural gas price triggers rebate for January (January 2, 2009)
Albertans will receive $1.50/GJ rebate
Edmonton... Albertans will save approximately $35 on their January gas bill, thanks to the Natural Gas Rebate program.
Rebates are triggered when two of the three regulated natural gas companies charge regulated rates above $5.50/GJ. Most residential consumers will have the rebate applied directly to their monthly gas bill. Large scale commercial or industrial consumers, select agricultural producers, and those who heat their homes with other fuels need to apply for rebates.

Minister Knight represents Alberta at Alaska's 50th Anniversary Event (December 30, 2008)
Statehood celebration provides opportunity to promote Alberta
Edmonton... Alberta Energy Minister Mel Knight will promote Alberta’s energy sector when he travels to Anchorage, Alaska January 2 and 3, 2009 for the state’s 50th anniversary celebration. During the two-day mission, Knight will meet with Alaska government officials to discuss issues of energy development and continued opportunities for collaboration.

Provincial Energy Strategy charts course for sustainable prosperity (December 11, 2008)
Plan aims for clean energy production and wise energy use
Calgary... A long-term action plan for Alberta to achieve clean energy production, wise energy use and sustained economic prosperity was outlined by the Government of Alberta with the release of the Provincial Energy Strategy.
“Our strategic approach going forward recognizes that 21st-century energy challenges also represent great opportunities for Alberta,” said Energy Minister Mel Knight. “The actions described in the Provincial Energy Strategy will help make Alberta a global energy leader that is recognized as world-class energy supplier, energy technology champion, and a responsible energy consumer and environmental citizen.” Read more.

Natural gas price triggers rebate for December (December 1, 2008)
Albertans will receive $1.50/GJ rebate
Edmonton... Albertans will save approximately $33 on their December gas bill, thanks to the Natural Gas Rebate program.
Rebates are triggered when two of the three regulated natural gas companies charge regulated rates above $5.50/GJ.