The Board is empowered under the Gas Distribution Act, 1999 with the responsibility for regulation of the natural gas industry within the province. This responsibility includes approval of applications for rates and tariffs, pipeline construction, special franchises and gas marketer's certificates. The Board's regulatory mandate extends to activities of the general franchise holder, local gas producer franchises and gas marketers. In New Brunswick, natural gas is provided in an unbundled market which separates the pipeline distribution company from the suppliers of natural gas.