AER to Offer Live Audio Streams of Public Hearings

CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - May 13, 2014) - Effective immediately, the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) will provide a live audio stream of public regulatory hearings when it is technically and logistically possible to do so.

Although all hearings are open to the public, the audio stream offers people who are not able to attend hearings a way to follow them without being there-and it reflects the AER's commitment to improve information access.

"By offering an audio stream of the AER hearings, we're ensuring that, no matter where they are, Albertans will be informed about important discussions related to energy resource development in the province," said Jim Ellis, CEO of the AER.

An AER hearing is an opportunity for parties to present evidence, to cross-examine, and to make arguments. The panel of AER hearing commissioners that presided over the hearing then considers the evidence and makes a decision on the application. In 2013, 34,048 applications were registered and 11 hearings were held.

An audio link to live in-progress hearings will be posted on the Hearings & Proceedings page of the AER website. Hearing transcripts recorded by court reporters will be considered the official record of all proceedings.

About the AER:

The Alberta Energy Regulator ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of hydrocarbon resources over their entire life cycle. This includes allocating and conserving water resources, managing public lands, and protecting the environment while providing economic benefits for all Albertans.