Alberta Energy Regulator Lauded for Streamlining Regulatory Process with GIS
Innovative, transparent OneStop program has proved a winner for both applicants and staff
EDMONTON, Esri Canada User Conference – September 19, 2018 – Esri Canada presented the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) with an Award of Excellence today for leveraging geographic information system (GIS) technology to serve a vital part of Alberta’s economy much more efficiently. The AER created OneStop, an innovative, integrated, transparent solution for processing applications.
For 80 years, the AER has regulated Alberta’s energy resource industry. Processing applications for pipeline licensing and construction and reclamation certification were highly manual, multistep processes that relied heavily on personal communication between colleagues as each step was completed.
In response, the AER adopted OneStop, an approach that allows it to accept integrated applications and make better-informed decisions. This technology reduces wait times to a matter of hours while making it easier for everyone to understand the AER’s decisions.
Instead of inputting information into multiple systems, operators now submit applications into a single system. As well as simplifying the application process for operators, OneStop streamlines the AER’s review process by processing low-risk applications automatically and forwarding higher-risk applications to staff for a detailed review.
“The AER was facing multi-dimensional challenges and thoughtfully developed a ‘one-stop’ regulatory process which included accurate information and improved communication with stakeholders and staff. This system has saved the energy industry millions of dollars,” said Alex Miller, president, Esri Canada.
Working with Esri Canada’s Professional Services consultants, the AER leveraged Esri’s ArcGIS Enterprise solution to build the OneStop portal, which allows for the sharing of maps and other spatial information related to applications.
“OneStop allows our people to use their time and talents on high-level work, while computers take care of the more straightforward applications,” said Jim Ellis, AER president and CEO. “It has saved $85 million thanks to quicker approvals for reclamation certificates because operators are no longer paying leases on land that they’ve already reclaimed.”
The AER has received many requests to train and advise national and international energy regulators on best practices and using an integrated decision approach for applications. To learn more about their OneStop system, watch this video.
Find out more about ArcGIS Enterprise at esri.ca/arcgisenterprise.
About The Alberta Energy Regulator
The AER ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of oil, oil sands, natural gas, and coal 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.
About Esri Canada
Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower people in business, government and education to make informed and timely decisions by leveraging the power of mapping and spatial analytics. These solutions enable organizations to better manage their resources, plan their future and collaborate within and beyond their organization. Esri Canada’s products and services help advance successful digital transformation. The company serves 12,000 organizations from 16 offices across Canada and is based in Toronto. In 2015, Esri Canada became a Gold Standard winner of Canada’s Best Managed Companies and in 2016 was named one of Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. More information can be found at esri.ca. Follow Esri Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
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For media inquiries, please contact:
Esri Canada: press@esri.ca
The AER: media@aer.ca