National Energy Board

Established in 1959, the National Energy Board (NEB) regulates international and interprovincial aspects of the oil, gas, and electric utility industries. The purpose of the NEB is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest. It regulates the following:

• the construction and operation of interprovincial and international pipelines
• pipeline traffic, tolls and tariffs
• the construction and operation of international and designated interprovincial power lines
• the export and import of natural gas
• the export of oil and electricity
• frontier oil and gas activities

In addition to its responsibilities under the National Energy Board Act, the NEB also has responsibilities under the Canada Oil and Gas Operations Act, the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act, the Northern Pipeline Act, and certain Provisions of the Canada Petroleum Resources Act.

The Board deals with approximately 750 applications annually. For major applications, the NEB holds public hearings where applicants and interested parties can participate.