Process for Adoption of Alberta Utilities Commission Rules, as stated in Bulletin 2010-03 to interested persons dated January 15, 2010:

The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC or Commission) has revised the process to create, repeal or amend AUC rules that was initially outlined in the Commission’s letter to interested persons dated January 2, 2008. The changes arise from the experience and knowledge gleaned from the many rule reviews the Commission has conducted since that time. The changes primarily reflect the richer, more diverse consultation process that characterized those rule reviews.

1.                   The AUC enacts new rules, or changes or rescinds existing rules through a rule review pursuant to the Alberta Utilities Commission Act, the Gas Utilities Act and the Electric Utilities Act (the legislation). The term rules, as used in this document, means AUC rules made in accordance with the legislation.

2.                   The AUC engages in consultation with interested persons when it is conducting a rule review. Depending on the nature of the proposed rule review, there will be some discretion in how the AUC conducts its consultation. Consultation may include:

·         Bulletins issued to interested persons outlining the purpose of the rule review along with a draft rule prepared by Commission staff;

·         Discussion paper(s) prepared or sponsored by the Commission more fully setting out the issues associated with the rule review;

·         Meetings with interested persons (either one-on-one, or in groups);

·         Public meetings with interested persons;

·         Collection, review and assessment of interested persons’ comments and feedback;

·         Comments on or response to interested persons’ feedback by Commission staff; and,

·         Any other means of discussion and consultation considered appropriate in the circumstances.

3.                   At some point in the consultation process, if not initially, a draft rule will emerge prepared by Commission staff. The AUC will post the draft rule on its website or electronic filing system and invite further comment from interested persons. Meetings may be held to discuss the draft rule. All comments, submissions, transcripts of meetings will be posted on the AUC website or electronic filing system.

4.                   The AUC will prepare a response to the comments received from interested persons which includes any changes to the proposed draft rule. The response will be sent to participating interested persons and posted on the AUC website or electronic filing system.

5.                   At this point, the proposed draft rule and the submissions of the stakeholders and interested persons will be considered by the Commission. The Commission will decide whether to approve the proposed draft rule or, if significant changes to the proposed draft rule are being considered by the Commission, it will give interested persons a further opportunity to comment on the changes. Whenever possible, the Commission will provide an explanation to interested persons when changes or comments received from interested persons with regard to a proposed rule or change to a rule are not adopted by the Commission.

6.                   The Commission will enact the proposed rule or rules, or changes.

7.                   The Commission will issue a bulletin and the rule to interested persons informing them of the enactment of a rule or change, and its effective date.

8.                   The AUC will post the bulletin and the rule on its website.