ARS Program Enhancements

Consultation has concluded

Engagement Outcomes

As the AESO has completed consultation on the ARS Program Enhancement Roadmap, it will now use the Reliability Standards Discussion Group page to continue updating stakeholders on the implementation the various activities that have resulted from this initiative.

The purpose of this initiative was to provide a forum for interested stakeholders to review and discuss their perspectives as related to the existing Alberta reliability standards (ARS) Program, collectively share, listen and consider different viewpoints, and collaborate on enhancements to the ARS Program with a focus on driving efficiencies that result in a reduction in regulatory burden for market participants, while maintaining the safe, reliable, and economic operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES).

This initiative has achieved:

    • Greater adoption of risk-based approaches across the ARS program.
    • Integrated efficiencies into both internally and externally facing processes.
    • Better facilitation of a common understanding of ARS requirements and expectations for compliance among market participants

ARS Program Enhancements Roadmap

Stakeholder comments and recommendations, and the themes summarized in the Stakeholder Comments Summary will be further assessed and considered to guide the development of a roadmap for this initiative. The draft roadmap, including a proposed pace and prioritization of initiatives, will be brought to stakeholders for input and discussion at a session on May 11, 2022.

Once finalized, the roadmap will serve as our plan and schedule for implementing enhancements to the ARS Program with a focus on driving efficiencies that will result in a reduction in regulatory burden for market participants, while maintaining the safe, reliable, secure, and economic operation of the AIES.

Your continued participation, lending of your expertise and commitment to engaged dialogue will be integral to the success of this industry-wide initiative. We thank you in advance for your time and attention to this important initiative.

Engagement Outcomes

As the AESO has completed consultation on the ARS Program Enhancement Roadmap, it will now use the Reliability Standards Discussion Group page to continue updating stakeholders on the implementation the various activities that have resulted from this initiative.

The purpose of this initiative was to provide a forum for interested stakeholders to review and discuss their perspectives as related to the existing Alberta reliability standards (ARS) Program, collectively share, listen and consider different viewpoints, and collaborate on enhancements to the ARS Program with a focus on driving efficiencies that result in a reduction in regulatory burden for market participants, while maintaining the safe, reliable, and economic operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES).

This initiative has achieved:

    • Greater adoption of risk-based approaches across the ARS program.
    • Integrated efficiencies into both internally and externally facing processes.
    • Better facilitation of a common understanding of ARS requirements and expectations for compliance among market participants

ARS Program Enhancements Roadmap

Stakeholder comments and recommendations, and the themes summarized in the Stakeholder Comments Summary will be further assessed and considered to guide the development of a roadmap for this initiative. The draft roadmap, including a proposed pace and prioritization of initiatives, will be brought to stakeholders for input and discussion at a session on May 11, 2022.

Once finalized, the roadmap will serve as our plan and schedule for implementing enhancements to the ARS Program with a focus on driving efficiencies that will result in a reduction in regulatory burden for market participants, while maintaining the safe, reliable, secure, and economic operation of the AIES.

Your continued participation, lending of your expertise and commitment to engaged dialogue will be integral to the success of this industry-wide initiative. We thank you in advance for your time and attention to this important initiative.

Consultation has concluded

  • Engagement Session | Nov. 21, 2022

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The AESO hosted a virtual stakeholder engagement session on Monday, Nov. 21, 2022, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

    Session purpose and objectives

    The purpose of the virtual session is to engage stakeholders in a discussion of the AESO’s proposed risk-based approach, provide updates on work streams and associated activities and share next steps. Specific session objectives include:

    • Share our learnings from feedback on the draft ARS Roadmap and refinements made
    • Present, discuss and seek feedback on proposed risk-based approach
    • Share progress updates on work streams and associated activities including:
      1. CIP Pilot Project
      2. Support of Implementation including enhanced RFI process
    • Provide a forum to address stakeholder questions
    • Share proposed next steps

    Stakeholder comments

    We value stakeholder feedback, and we thank you for sharing your perspectives with us. View all stakeholder comments received on the proposed risk-based approach, the proposed approach to developing a risk-based methodology for the compliance monitoring program, and the proposed pace and activities scheduled for 2023 in the Stakeholder Submissions section.

    Engagement session materials

    Can be found in the AESO Materials section.

  • RSDG Launch | June 8, 2022

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The AESO hosted a hybrid stakeholder session on June 8, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

    Session purpose

    The purpose of the session is to engage stakeholders in discussions on the AESO’s ARS Program. Specific session objectives include:

    • Present and seek feedback on our proposed approach to RSDG and to technical working groups (TWGs);
    • Discuss our interim ARS Program Work Plan; and
    • Have an open discussion to receive feedback on the ARS program.

    Stakeholder comments

    We value stakeholder feedback, and we thank you for sharing your perspectives with us. View all stakeholder comments received on the AESO's approach to RSDG and TWGs and the interim ARS Program Work Plan in the Stakeholder Submissions section.

    RSDG launch session materials

    Can be found in the AESO Materials section.

  • Engagement Session | May 11, 2022

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The AESO hosted a virtual stakeholder engagement session on May 11, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

    Session purpose

    The purpose of the session is to engage stakeholders in a discussion of the AESO’s draft ARS Program Enhancements Roadmap and share next steps. Specific session objectives include:

    • Share our learnings from stakeholder feedback on the existing ARS Program
    • Present draft roadmap including proposed pace and prioritization
    • Seek stakeholder feedback on draft roadmap
    • Share next steps and timing

    Stakeholder comments

    We value stakeholder feedback, and we thank you for sharing your perspectives with us. View all stakeholder comments received on the draft ARS Program Enhancements Roadmap in the Stakeholder Submissions section.

    Engagement session materials

    Can be found in the AESO Materials section.

  • Existing ARS Program Written Consultation | Nov. 23 – Jan. 21, 2022

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    The comment period for the written consultation ran from Nov. 23, 2021 to Jan. 21, 2022.

    Purpose

    The purpose of this initial written consultation is to seek feedback from stakeholders on their perspectives as it relates to the current ARS Program, and on identifying and prioritizing areas of potential improvement opportunities.

    View the ARS Program Components visual for a description of the existing ARS Program development, implementation and compliance monitoring activities.

    Stakeholder comments

    We value stakeholder feedback, and we thank you for sharing your perspectives with us. View all stakeholder comments received on the Existing ARS Program in the Stakeholder Submissions section.

    Existing ARS Program written consultation materials

    Can be found in the AESO Materials section.

  • Lifecycle Planned Activities | Nov 2021 to Dec 2022

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Existing ARS Program Written Consultation | Nov. 23 - Jan. 21, 2022

    Purpose

    The purpose of this initial written consultation is to seek feedback from stakeholders on their perspectives as it relates to the current ARS Program, and on identifying and prioritizing areas of potential improvement opportunities.

    Planned Activities | Q1 & Q2 2022

    Targets

    • Seek feedback on existing ARS Program and opportunities for improvement (January)
    • Post written stakeholder feedback received (January)
    • Provide a summary of stakeholder feedback received (February)
    • Stakeholder feedback gathered will be reviewed and considered as the AESO develops a roadmap including scope of activities to be undertaken in 2022 and a timeline for regular progress updates (March-May)
    • Complete development of draft roadmap (May)
    • Stakeholder session to present and seek feedback on draft roadmap (May-June)
    • Post written stakeholder feedback received (June)
    • Stakeholder feedback gathered will be reviewed and considered as the AESO finalizes its roadmap (June-September)

    Engagement Session | May 11, 2022

    Purpose

    The purpose of the virtual session is to engage stakeholders in a discussion of the AESO’s draft ARS Program Enhancements Roadmap and share next steps. Specific session objectives include:

    • Share our learnings from stakeholder feedback on the existing ARS Program
    • Present draft roadmap including proposed pace and prioritization
    • Seek stakeholder feedback on draft roadmap
    • Share next steps and timing

    RSDG Launch | June 8, 2022

    Purpose

    The purpose of the session is to engage stakeholders in discussions on the AESO’s ARS Program. Specific session objectives include:

    • Present and seek feedback on our proposed approach to RSDG and to technical working groups (TWGs)
    • Discuss our interim ARS Program Work Plan
    • Have an open discussion to receive feedback on the ARS Program

    Planned Activities | Q3 & Q4 2022

    Targets

    • ARS Roadmap refinement and finalization (September)
    • Host ARS Program Enhancements engagement session (November)
    • Develop and implement risk-based criteria and a reliability assessment methodology (May-December)
    • Review and revise internal processes (May-December)
    • Implement short-term actions (May-December)