A survey of members indicates that the AER is not effectively engaging with rural municipalities on energy-related matters, including Directive 067. The communication gap between rural municipalities and the AER needs to be addressed.
In spring 2022, the RMA requested that members complete a survey related to their experiences in engaging and communicating with the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). The survey results have been compiled into a report which indicates the following:
- Very few members have regular contact with the AER or specific contacts within the organization to answer questions or concerns related to companies in their jurisdictions.
- The AER has not reached out to municipalities to better understand the challenges related to unpaid taxes, despite members being the stewards of most land which hosts oil and gas infrastructure.
- RMA members welcome a stronger relationship with the AER and would like to see increased communication.
The RMA is concerned with the lack of interest on the part of the AER in working with municipalities to gather unpaid tax information, as relying on industry to self-report unpaid taxes carries a high risk of incomplete or misleading information being provided. The RMA will use the survey results to engage with the AER and advocate for increased communication with municipalities.
Karrina Jung
Policy Advisor
780.955.4085
karrina@RMAlberta.com
Wyatt Skovron
Manager of Policy & Advocacy
780.955.4096
wyatt@RMAlberta.com