New Toll Reporting Requirements

Summary#

The Canadian Energy Regulator is proposing the Toll Information Reporting Regulations (under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act) to require more frequent reporting from companies that charge tolls. If approved, companies would send regular quarterly and monthly data to the regulator and the old Toll Information Regulations (SOR/79-319) would be repealed. Representations on the proposal are open for 45 days after publication (December 14, 2024), i.e. by January 28, 2025.

What it does#

• Requires a company that charges tolls to report, at the end of each three‑month period:
  • the rate of return it earned on its rate base compared with the rate the regulator previously authorized (or, if no rate was authorized, the rate of return on equity for that period);
  • explanations when tolls were set using forecast data and actual results differ significantly from those forecasts;
  • data on capital, traffic, revenues and expenses for the period.
• Requires a company that charges tolls to report traffic information at the end of each month.
• Says a company must provide any missing information if the regulator tells it the initial submission was incomplete.
• Repeals the old Toll Information Regulations (SOR/79-319).
• This is a proposed regulation; it would come into force on the day it is registered if approved.

Who's affected#

• Companies that charge tolls under the jurisdiction of the Canadian Energy Regulator — commonly this will include pipeline companies, but the notice does not list specific businesses.
• Regulators, shippers and other industry stakeholders who use toll, traffic and financial data.
• The public and researchers who rely on greater transparency about utility or pipeline tolls.

Why it matters#

• The rules would give the regulator more frequent, consistent data on tolls, traffic and financial performance. That can help spot when tolls are higher or lower than expected.
• For companies, this means more regular reporting and likely more administrative work to collect and submit monthly and quarterly figures.
• For customers and shippers, the change could improve transparency about how tolls relate to company returns and costs.
• The item is a proposal — people and groups have until January 28, 2025 to comment.