Administrative changes to take effect immediately mean core market consumers outside Alberta can purchase natural gas directly from producers in Alberta, Energy Minister Patricia Black today announced.
Core consumers are residential and commercial gas users who depend on firm supplies.
Prior to today's announcement, Alberta required core market consumers to purchase natural gas through local utility companies. Mrs. Black noted that under the new administrative arrangements, Alberta will not place special conditions on approving removal permits for core market sales. Core customers will be required to meet the minimum contractual standards set in their respective provincial jurisdictions. Details of the revised, streamlined filing requirements for short-term removal permits will be sent to all permit holders, said Mrs. Black. Mrs. Black emphasized that core market consumers and their provincial jurisdictions are responsible for ensuring there are contracts in place to provide the supply security needed.