Funding available to participate in the NEB's regulatory process regarding the NGTL Integration Asset Transfer project

CALGARY, Jan. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - The National Energy Board (NEB, or the Board) is making available $250,000 under its Participant Funding Program to assist landowners, Aboriginal groups, incorporated non-industry, not-for-profit organizations, and other interested persons to participate in the regulatory process of the Integration Asset Transfer project, as proposed by NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL). A higher amount may be considered once applications for funding are received.

NGTL has filed an application with the Board requesting approval for the acquisition of certain assets currently owned by ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd (ATCO) that would become part of the ongoing operations of the NGTL system. The Board is also being asked to approve the sale by NGTL of certain assets currently forming part of the NGTL system to ATCO.

The exchange of assets includes:

• NGTL Transferred Assets, which are comprised of metering facilities (31 delivery and 89 receipt meter stations) and pipeline facilities (1,418 km); and
  
  
• ATCO Transferred Assets, which are comprised of compressor stations (1), metering facilities (12 delivery and 21 receipt meter stations) and pipeline facilities (1,303 km).

To accommodate the number of assets involved and the field work required to complete the transfer of ownership, NGTL and ATCO plan to execute the assets swap in four stages (tranches). NGTL is proposing that a separate certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN) be issued for each Tranche and each CPCN be made effective as of the date of the closing of the respective stage.

Funding is being made available to help those who are interested in reviewing and commenting on a project application to be submitted by NGTL. To receive funding, interested persons will have to apply for and be accepted as an intervenor in the NEB's regulatory process for this project. Funding must be used to prepare for and participate in the hearing process. Details about the hearing process will be announced by the Board at a later date.

A funding review committee, independent of the regulatory process, will consider all applications for funding and make recommendations on the allocation of funds.

Funding applications should be submitted as soon as possible. Funding will only be awarded for hearing related activities conducted after the application has been approved.

Funding must be used to prepare for and participate in the hearing process, which will be announced by the Board at a later date.

To receive funding, all approved recipients will be required to apply to participate and be granted intervenor status in the NEB's regulatory process for this project.

A List of Issues identifying the topics that the Board will consider during the review process will be made available on the NEB website. Those who are interested in applying for Participant Funding are encouraged to review information on the proposed project.

Information about Participant Funding is available on the Board's Web site (www.neb-one.gc.ca). Under Public Participation, select Participant Funding Program. Please review the Participant Funding Program Guide to determine when and how to apply for funding and what will be covered. The Application for Funding Form and the Contribution Agreement can also be found on this page.

For general information about the Board's hearing process and how you can participate effectively, select Hearing and Information Sessions on the Board's website, and then click on Participate in a Public Hearing.

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada's energy industry with the safety of Canadians and protection of the environment as its top priority. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest.

FOR BROADCAST USE:

The National Energy Board announced today that Participant Funding in the amount of $250,000 is available for the Integration Asset Transfer project. In its application, NOVA Gas Transmission Ltd. (NGTL) is requesting approval for the acquisition of certain assets currently owned by ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd (ATCO) to become part of the ongoing operations of the NGTL System. The Board is also being asked to approve the sale by NGTL to ATCO of certain assets currently forming part of the NGTL System.

Funding applications should be submitted as soon as possible. To find out more about the project, or to apply for funding, visit www.neb-one.gc.ca.

SOURCE: Government of Canada

Carole Léger-Kubeczek
E-mail: [email protected]
Communications Officer
Telephone: [phone]
TTY (teletype): 1-800-632-1663