Proposed Toll Information Reporting Rules

Summary#

The Canadian Energy Regulator is proposing the Toll Information Reporting Regulations. If approved, companies that charge tolls would have to send regular reports about tolls, traffic, revenues and returns to the regulator. This is a proposal open for comment for 45 days from December 14, 2024 (deadline January 28, 2025).

What it does#

• Requires a company that charges tolls to send the Canadian Energy Regulator quarterly (every three‑month) reports that include:
  • the rate of return on the rate base for that period compared with the rate(s) authorized at the company’s last rate hearing, or if no rate was authorized, the rate of return on equity for that period;
  • an explanation if tolls were set using forecast data and actual results differ significantly from those forecasts;
  • basic information on capital, traffic, revenues and expenses for the period.
• Requires monthly (monthly) reporting of traffic information.
• Says companies must provide any missing information if the regulator tells them a submission is incomplete.
• Repeals the older Toll Information Regulations (SOR/79-319).
• Notes that this is a proposed regulation (not law yet) and would come into force on the day it is registered if adopted.

Who's affected#

• The main group affected is companies that charge tolls regulated by the Canadian Energy Regulator. The notice itself uses the generic term “company that charges tolls” and does not list specific industries.
• Customers, shippers or other users of those tolled services may notice effects indirectly if reporting leads to changes in oversight or future toll decisions.
• The public and interested groups can comment during the 45‑day consultation period that started December 14, 2024.

Why it matters#

• The changes aim to give the regulator more regular and detailed data on how tolls perform in practice.
• That data can help spot when tolls produce higher or lower returns than expected, or when traffic and revenues diverge from forecasts.
• For companies, the rule means more frequent reporting and a potential administrative burden. For customers and stakeholders, it could lead to clearer oversight of toll-setting and future rate reviews.