FERC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Related to the Certification of the Electric Reliability Organization; and Procedures for the Establishment, Approval and Enforcement of Electric Reliability Standards (Docket No. RM 05-30-000)

In authorizing electricity exports and the construction and operation of international power lines, the National Energy Board takes into account reliability within the mandate prescribed in the National Energy Board Act and National Energy Board Electricity Regulations. The Board has an interest in any matter that may impact the reliability of international power lines under its jurisdiction and, in this regard, recognizes the integrated nature of the North American power transmission system.

The Board has reviewed the subject Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and notes that it is consistent with the findings of the Final Report on the August 14, 2003 Blackout in the United States and Canada. The Board is supportive of the goal of mandatory electricity reliability standards and continues to examine ways within its mandate and jurisdiction to pursue this objective. The Board also notes that coordination of the Canadian regulators on reliability matters is proceeding with the NEB as an active participant. Towards that end the Board will continue to work with the Canadian provincial regulators and assist in the coordination of the various jurisdictional interests directly and through the Canadian Association of Members of Public Utility Tribunals (CAMPUT).

Yours truly,

Michel L. Mantha
Secretary

c.c. Minister of Natural Resources
Chairman, CAMPUT