Hi everyone!

I hope you had a great Stampede! We've rounded up the latest regulatory developments to help you stay current.

As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss how these changes may affect your operations, don't hesitate to reach out.

Effective November 1, 2026, Alberta Energy and Minerals (AEM) will no longer accept mail or in-person revenue payments at its Calgary (AMEC Building) office. A three-month transition period runs from August 1 to October 31, 2026.

Key changes:

• Mail and in-person payments will no longer be accepted at the Calgary office after October 31, 2026.
• In-person payments will only be accepted at the North Petroleum Plaza office in Edmonton.
• Payments mailed to the Calgary office after the transition period will be returned to the sender.
• Payment obligations, due dates, royalty and rental requirements, reporting requirements, and existing electronic payment processes remain unchanged.
• Accepted payment methods will include:
• Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)/Auto Debit Authorization
• Online banking
• Online credit card payments
• Rapid trans deposit slips submitted directly at CIBC
• Companies are responsible for ensuring payments are received on time, as late receipt or processing may still result in overdue payment consequences. 

IL 2026-22 | Alberta Energy

Effective June 18, 2026, the AER rescinded Manuals 001, 002, and 005. The change is administrative only and does not introduce new regulatory requirements. Duty holders must continue complying with all applicable legislation, rules, and directives.

Key changes:

• Manual 001 – Facility and Well Site Inspections has been rescinded.
• Manual 002 – Drilling Waste Inspections has been rescinded.
• Manual 005 – Pipeline Inspections has been rescinded.
• The manuals served only as reference documents and were not regulatory instruments.
• All underlying inspection and compliance requirements remain in effect.
• Companies should refer directly to the applicable AER legislation, rules, and directives for current regulatory requirements.
• The AER's inspections and audits program will continue without changes to compliance expectations.

Bulletin 2026-24 | Alberta Energy Regulator

The AER released a new edition of Directive 077: Pipelines – Requirements and Reference Tools. The revised directive clarifies and updates pipeline testing and operational requirements to improve safety and consistency. The changes are already in effect.

Key changes:

• Clarifies requirements for external corrosion prevention coatings under pipeline insulation.
• Updates requirements for pressure testing using liquid test media other than fresh water.
• Revises requirements for pressure testing using gaseous test media.
• Clarifies requirements for temporary surface pipelines used for well testing or bypass operations.
• Updates requirements for temporary surface water conveyance pipelines.
• Revises operational requirements for elevated-temperature pipelines.
• Improves clarity and consistency throughout the directive while maintaining safe pipeline operation requirements

Bulletin 2026-26 | Alberta Energy Regulator