Long-Term Gas Removal Permits

Timeline

Our estimated processing time for this application is 30 business days. See our timeline spreadsheet for updates.

Purpose of the Application

We authorize a company’s removal of natural gas in Alberta under the Gas Resources Preservation Act (GRPA). We issue gas removal permits to

• control the amount of gas leaving the province, and
• conserve natural gas resources for Albertans.

We allow each company to hold one active long-term gas removal permit. With our approval, long-term gas removal permit holders can

• remove more than 3 billion cubic metres (m³) of gas, and
• have a removal term longer than two years.

Process Checklist

Submit an Application

Companies must submit their applications through our Digital Data Submission (DDS) system. We will register each application and assign it a reference number. The forms in Appendix G - Gas and Ethane Removal Forms in Directive 065: Resources Applications for Oil and Gas Reservoirs must be completed and attached (electronic copy) to the application.

By submitting an application, the company accepts that its information is no longer confidential.

Things to Remember

Applicants do not need to notify us of their intent to apply for a long-term gas removal permit or permit amendment. However, as part of our review process, we do publish notices of long-term gas removal applications in major provincial newspapers.

To apply, a company must meet requirements under section 2 of the GRPA. A company does not need a permit to

• remove propanes, butanes, pentanes, other natural gas liquids, or oil from Alberta; or
• import gas to the province.

Review Process

1. We share all applications on our Public Notice of Application page to encourage public participation in the approval process. We will also publish the notice in major provincial newspapers.
2. Anyone who believes that they may be directly and adversely affected by an application can file a statement of concern (SOC). If we receive an SOC, it may take us longer to process the application.
3. We will assign the application to a subject matter expert for initial review. If information is missing (i.e., the application is not complete), we will close the application. Otherwise, we will proceed with a full technical review. We look at
   • the proposed markets;
   • the location and type of customers to be served under the requested permit;
   • the method to transport the gas;
   • pricing arrangements;
   • a statement about whether it would be in the public interest to issue a permit;
   • the lands and zones that would supply the permit;
   • ownership of the subject lands and zones;
   • the total gas reserve volumes associated with the subject lands and zones; and
   • other commitments served by the reserves portfolio.
4. We may request additional information (through a supplemental information request) to complete our technical review.
5. Both the AER and the Lieutenant Governor in Council must approve long-term gas removal applications before a permit can be issued.
6. We will decide to approve, close, or deny the application. If we close it, the applicant may reapply without prejudice. If we deny it, the applicant can file an appeal through our appeal process.
7. We will provide the applicant with a link to the approved permit, which is accessible through the Integrated Application Registry. We will also share our decision on our Publication of Decision page.