An Analysis of Costs Awarded by the Alberta Energy Regulator

Abstract

This paper looks at the authority of a statutory tribunal to make a costs award in favour of a party appearing before it. In particular, we examine the legislative framework governing the authority of the Alberta Energy Regulator to make a costs award in favour of a participant in an energy project hearing. We also disseminate the results of our empirical analysis on how the Regulator has exercised its discretion to award costs that compensate a hearing participant for the fees incurred to retain a lawyer and experts in the hearing process.

Keywords: Administrative Law, Costs, Energy Development

JEL Classification: K23