The CER, Energy Projects, and You
The CER, Energy Projects, and You [PDF 1418 KB]
The Canada Energy Regulator (CER) oversees federally regulated pipelines, power lines, and offshore renewable energy projects.
When you hear from a company about a project being proposed on your land, you may have questions and concerns. We understand.
Be part of the project – work with the company
Contact the company first. Your questions and concerns help shape the company’s project. Companies are required to listen and respond to your comments and concerns. They must also identify the possible effects on nearby people, property, and the environment when it applies to the CER. Here are some opportunities to work with the company.
- Early engagement: We expect companies to engage early about a project and demonstrate to us how it considered the information it gathered. Let the company know whether the project may affect you. The company will let potentially affected people and communities know when it files an application with the CER.
- Land agreements: The company must tell you what land it is planning to use to construct, operate, and maintain its proposed project. It may propose a land agreement with you to confirm the lands the company can work on.
- Land use compensation: The company must compensate you for land acquisition, restricted use of lands, or damages caused by its activities.
CER project review – be heard
Before the company can build or abandon a federally regulated pipeline, power line, or offshore renewable energy project, it must apply to the CER. We will review and assess the proposed project, including the company’s engagement activities and potential effects on people, property, and the environment.
- Statement of concern: We rely on you to bring forward your concerns and views. If you have concerns about a project, you can send us a Statement of concern form [PDF 227 KB] within 21 days after the application has been filed with the CER. Your concerns will guide the CER in planning
- Applications and projects: The CER may hold a public hearing for facilities applications. If you have questions about the hearing process, contact a process advisor.
CER processes in place to help you
- Land Matters Advisory Service: If you have questions about land matters with respect to CER-regulated energy projects and processes, email LMAS.SCQF@cer-rec.gc.ca.
- Alternative dispute resolution: Any time during the life of a project, if you are unable to resolve concerns directly with the company, you can email ADR-RED@cer-rec.gc.ca to ask a specialist to work with you and the company to find solutions.
- Complaint resolution: If you are unable to resolve an issue with a CER-regulated company, facility, or activity on lands you use or own, you can send us a completed complaint form [PDF 190 KB].
Safety is everyone’s responsibility
Safety is everyone’s responsibility. For us, it is our job. Protecting you and the environment is the CER’s priority. Here are a few things you should know.
Damage prevention: If you live or work near a pipeline, find out how to safely do your activities. Before you dig near a pipeline, get the company’s consent. Visit Click Before You Dig to locate buried pipelines or utility lines.
Compliance and enforcement: CER inspection officers regularly go out into the field to verify and enforce requirements and standards in place to keep people and the environment protected.
Emergency management: In an emergency, we make sure companies respond in a way that protects people, property, and the environment. We expect them to take the action needed to stop spills, manage the incident, and clean up and pay for any damage done.
Find out more
Find out more about the Canada Energy Regulator
by visiting us online.
Be sure to follow us on social media for the latest updates.
For copies of any CER publication or for more information, contact us:
ONLINE: www.cer-rec.gc.ca
EMAIL: info@cer-rec.gc.ca
TOLL FREE: 1-800-899-1265
Write us or visit our library at:
Canada Energy Regulator
210-517 10 Ave SW
Calgary AB T2R 0A8
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