April 2023

FACT SHEET

Preapplication Concern
This fact sheet will help you understand what to do if you have concerns about a particularenergy development activity for which no application has been submitted to the Alberta
Energy Regulator (AER).

A preapplication concern is a written submission that outlines

What is apreapplication concern?

specific concerns about a particular energy development activity forwhich no application has been submitted to the AER.
It is a summary of the concerns that you would like the energycompany to address or how you believe the activity could affect youor the land in which you have an interest.
A preapplication concern is different from a statement of concern
because it’s not specific to an application; therefore, it’s not includedin the AER’s review of an application.

The AER expects energy companies and concerned parties toWhat do I do with mypreapplication concern?

work together to address concerns. Therefore, it’s important thatyou share your concerns with the company, which can be done bysending your preapplication concern directly to the company.
You can also send a copy of your preapplication concern to the AER
at adr@aer.ca or by mail toAlberta Energy Regulator
Suite 1000, 250 – 5 Street SW
Calgary, Alberta T2P 0R4
Attn: Alternative Dispute Resolution – Engagement andCommunication Branch
AER staff will respond to preapplication concerns that are abouta particular energy development activity and inform you of theoptions available to you.

What information
should I include in mypreapplication concern?

If possible, please provide the AER with the following:• Your name, phone number, and email or mailing address.
• The name of the company proposing the energy
development activity.

inquiries 1-855-297-8311

24-hour emergency 1-800-222-6514

inquiries@aer.ca

aer.caPage 1 of 3

Alberta Energy Regulator• The type of proposed energy development activity (e.g., well, coalmine, Water Act approval, etc.).
• The legal land location of the proposed energy development
activity (e.g., SW 00-000-00W0M).
• The legal land location of your residence or the land in which you
have an interest (e.g., SW 00-000-00W0M).
• A summary of your concerns or how you believe the proposedenergy development activity could affect you or the land in which
you have an interest.
• Any history or background information that might provide
additional insight.

How will I know whether acompany has submitted anapplication to the AER?

What are the requirements
for a company when there
are known concerns?

Once the AER receives an application, a general public notice isgiven through the public notice of application and notices webpages
on the AER website, aer.ca.

Companies that have applied to the AER must follow all AER
notification and consultation requirements.
If you have informed the company of your concerns about aparticular energy development activity, you are considered a party
with known concerns. Once the company submits its application, theAER expects it to send the notice of application directly to anyone
who has previously raised concerns about the proposed energy
development activity.
The notice will provide you with information about the application
and about filing a statement of concern that is specific to theapplication.

What if the company has
already submitted an
application to the AER?

If you have concerns about an energy development activity forwhich an application is being reviewed by the AER, you can file astatement of concern that is specific to the application. Statementsof concern must be submitted before the deadline listed on thenotice of application, which is available on the AER website.

I filed a preapplication
concern; do I still need tofile a statement of concern?

inquiries 1-855-297-8311

Yes, if you continue to have concerns after an application has been
submitted to the AER, then you must file a statement of concern.
A preapplication concern is not part of the AER’s review ofan application.

24-hour emergency 1-800-222-6514

inquiries@aer.ca

aer.caPage 2 of 3

Alberta Energy Regulator

What if I have concerns
about an existingenergy activity?

What options areavailable to me toaddress my concern?

Where can I findmore information?

If you have concerns about the operations of an existing energy
activity (e.g., noise or odour complaints), please call the AER’s
Energy and Environmental Emergency 24-Hr Response Line at
1-800-222-6514.

The AER has an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) program to help
those with concerns work with energy companies. A professional
mediator can discuss this program and other options with you.
More information about this program is available at aer.ca.

Visit aer.ca to learn more about how to get involved with energy
development in your area.
If you have questions about your concerns or about the ADR
program, please email our Alternative Dispute Resolution team at
adr@aer.ca.
If you have general or regulatory questions, please contact ourCustomer Contact Centre toll free at 1-855-297-8311 or by email at
inquiries@aer.ca.
In the event of an emergency, please call our Energy andEnvironmental Emergency 24-Hr Response Line at 1-800-222-6514.

inquiries 1-855-297-8311

24-hour emergency 1-800-222-6514

inquiries@aer.ca

aer.caPage 3 of 3