Since late 2002, the world has experienced very strong energy markets. In this context, consumers and industries have faced sharply higher prices for energy. The National Energy Board (NEB) expects that these market conditions will last, more or less, for a number of years. With the challenges and opportunities that this higher price environment presents, there is an increasing need to provide Canadians with reliable, timely and easily accessible information on Canadian energy.

This Web site provides Canadian consumers with information on the main energy commodities (i.e. oil, natural gas, propane, butane and electricity), primarily with respect to pricing and factors affecting pricing. For background, information is also provided on how Canadian energy markets work, including a summary of each industry in Canada, frequently asked questions (FAQs) and helpful Web site links, including those that provide pricing data.

The NEB is an independent federal agency that regulates several aspects of Canada's energy industry. Its purpose is to promote safety and security, environmental protection and economic efficiency in the Canadian public interest within the mandate set by Parliament in the regulation of pipelines, energy development and trade.

Monitoring and analysing energy markets allows the Board to gain a thorough understanding of supply, markets and pipelines to make decisions as an expert regulatory tribunal. Also, it enables the Board to provide information to Canadians about energy markets in order to help both users and suppliers make more informed decisions.

These charts provide an overview of energy use in Canada in 2004:

Canadian Energy Demand, 2004 and Canadian Residential Energy Demand, 2004

Source: NEB

The NEB authorizes the export of natural gas, crude oil and products, electricity and natural gas liquids (NGLs).

Energy exports are important to Canada for a number of reasons. This includes not only the jobs and investments created by people involved in producing, transporting, and distributing energy, but also from the revenue obtained from selling the commodities.

NEB-Regulated Energy Exports

Source: NEB

In 2004, revenue from the export of natural gas, crude oil and products, electricity and NGLs was approximately $60 billion.

By comparison, in 2004, according to Statistics Canada:

Total value of all Canadian exports was about $429 billion
Total value of all Canadian imports was about $363 billion
The overall balance of trade was $66 billion revenue to Canada
Balance of all trade with the United States was almost $101 billion

Energy exports are a very significant component of Canadian trade, accounting for about 13 percent of total exports.

The following sections are available:

If you require more information, please e-mail cdnenergy@neb-one.gc.ca.