Background
The Ministry of Energy and Resources is consulting with the oil and gas industry on proposed amendments to Directive PNG011: Allowable Rate of Production - Gas Wells and Directive PNG013: Well Data Submission Requirements (the amended Directives). The proposed changes aim to reorganize and update sections of the directives and introduce existing requirements from a guideline for improved accessibility.
The ministry initiated amendments to Directive PNG011 in response to public concerns expressing difficulty with accessing certain requirements contained in the guideline titled – Gas Well Absolute Open (AOF) Flow Tests. As a result, the ministry is proposing to relocate applicable information from the guideline to Directive PNG011. Consequentially, Directive PNG013 is being amended to align with these changes.
The Process
The ministry is launching industry consultations on the amended Directives from March 23, 2026, to April 10, 2026. Upon conclusion of consultations, the ministry will review all feedback in preparation of final drafts of the amended Directives that are anticipated to come into effect in April/May 2026.
Summary of Proposed Changes
Mainly, the amended Directives aim to better communicate the requirements and process for conducting Absolute Open Flow (AOF) Tests. These requirements are currently contained in the above guideline and are being migrated to the amended Directives for improved access and to promote clarity. The following key items are being relocated:
- Existing critical AOF testing requirements for gas wells
- Existing process of notification, submission and waiver obligations in support of conducting AOF tests
- Existing information detailing acceptable testing methods and test design criteria for gas wells
The following are miscellaneous changes:
- Numerous updates to the terminologies used in the 'definitions' section of Directive PNG011 to promote consistency and better understanding.
- General reorganization and wording updates to modernize, enhance clarity and structure, and align with other related directives.
- Various reference updates, removal of duplicate information and outdated details such as logos, the ministry division reference, and repealed information.
Review of Amended Directives
Further details on the amended directives may be found at Notice of Proposed Directive Amendments Directive PNG011 & Directive PNG013. Kindly submit any feedback on the proposed regulatory amendments to the ER Service Desk at er.servicedesk@gov.sk.ca by April 10, 2026.