Cluster Assessment Process Implementation

Engagement Outcome

Since 2022, we talked to approximately 750 individuals, held eight stakeholder sessions and ran two surveys seeking stakeholder feedback to streamline the AESO Connection Process. This feedback was crucial to the design of the Cluster Assessment Process, which was implemented mid-2023. The first Cluster intake received 145 SASR applications, representing over 22 GW of supply.

We sincerely appreciate everyone's thoughtful involvement in the development of the AESO's Cluster Assessment Process. Visit the Cluster Assessment Process webpage for up-to-date information on current Clusters and key dates.

Background and Purpose

In 2022, the AESO worked with stakeholders to streamline the Connection Process to better manage the growing volume of generation projects within a progressively complex AIES system.  These factors have resulted in a significant increase in SASR project delivery timelines. The AESO’s streamlined Connection Process is intended to provide greater efficiency and schedule certainty, reduce red tape, minimize rework, and align project execution with available resource capacity.  Stakeholder perspectives continue to be essential to the AESO to support and enhance our decision-making process. Through careful consideration and evaluation of feedback, the AESO seeks to balance diverse stakeholder interests and our mandate to operate in the public interest in developing sound decisions.

As the consultation phase of the AESO’s Connection Process Streamlining was completed in 2022, we are continuing efforts to ensure market participants are informed throughout the implementation phase of the new Cluster Assessment Process.

Out-of-scope

The following topics are out-of-scope and will not be discussed as part of the Connection Process Streamlining information session:

  • Changes to the regulatory framework (e.g., TReg, TPL standards)
  • 2018 GTA Decision and Corresponding Compliance Filing Items
  • Existing System and Connection projects

Engagement Outcome

Since 2022, we talked to approximately 750 individuals, held eight stakeholder sessions and ran two surveys seeking stakeholder feedback to streamline the AESO Connection Process. This feedback was crucial to the design of the Cluster Assessment Process, which was implemented mid-2023. The first Cluster intake received 145 SASR applications, representing over 22 GW of supply.

We sincerely appreciate everyone's thoughtful involvement in the development of the AESO's Cluster Assessment Process. Visit the Cluster Assessment Process webpage for up-to-date information on current Clusters and key dates.

Background and Purpose

In 2022, the AESO worked with stakeholders to streamline the Connection Process to better manage the growing volume of generation projects within a progressively complex AIES system.  These factors have resulted in a significant increase in SASR project delivery timelines. The AESO’s streamlined Connection Process is intended to provide greater efficiency and schedule certainty, reduce red tape, minimize rework, and align project execution with available resource capacity.  Stakeholder perspectives continue to be essential to the AESO to support and enhance our decision-making process. Through careful consideration and evaluation of feedback, the AESO seeks to balance diverse stakeholder interests and our mandate to operate in the public interest in developing sound decisions.

As the consultation phase of the AESO’s Connection Process Streamlining was completed in 2022, we are continuing efforts to ensure market participants are informed throughout the implementation phase of the new Cluster Assessment Process.

Out-of-scope

The following topics are out-of-scope and will not be discussed as part of the Connection Process Streamlining information session:

  • Changes to the regulatory framework (e.g., TReg, TPL standards)
  • 2018 GTA Decision and Corresponding Compliance Filing Items
  • Existing System and Connection projects

  • Market Participant Updates

    September 16, 2024 | Cluster Process Reassessment Fee Waiver

    The AESO is providing a one-time waiver of the reassessment fee for Cluster 1 projects that are cancelled prior to entering Stage 3, either as a result of a request for cancellation or because Stage 2 gate requirements are not met. The reassessment fee is being waived as the Cluster 1 schedule, including material financial commitments, coincides with the ongoing Restructured Energy Market engagement.

    The previously communicated timelines for Cluster 1 remain unchanged. As a reminder, to stay in the AESO Connection Process and advance to Stage 3, projects in Cluster 1 are required to meet Stage 2 gate requirements by November 29, 2024. Stage 2 gate requirements include GUOC evidence or payment, acceptance of revised dynamic files (if required), and confirmation of Stage 3 & 4 Security to the TFO (if applicable).

    Additionally:

    • Cluster 1 projects that wish to re-apply for Cluster 2 must cancel the associated Cluster 1 project before submission of a system access service request (SASR) in Cluster 2. The Cluster 2 SASR submission deadline remains October 18, 2024.
    • Cluster 1 projects that meet Stage 2 gate requirements and continue in the AESO Connection Process will be subject to the reassessment fee should the project be cancelled at a later date.

    Please click here to read more information about the reassessment fee waiver.

    June 5, 2024 | Additional Flexibility for Market Participants

    To provide Market Participants (MPs) with additional flexibility, the AESO is providing a one-time schedule extension to AESO Connection Process timelines in consideration of ongoing engagement on the Restructured Energy Market and other potential framework changes. In summary:

    1. MPs in Cluster 1 now have an additional 12 weeks (until November 29, 2024), to provide GUOC evidence or payment and Stage 3 & 4 Security to the TFO, allowing their projects to proceed into Stage 3 of the AESO Connection Process.
      • The project change proposal submission deadline for projects in Cluster 1 is also extended by 12 weeks to October 18, 2024.
    2. The closure of the intake window of Cluster 2 is extended by 12 weeks to October 18, 2024.
    3. Upon request, the AESO will assess up to a 12-week extension to the stage maximum timeline for projects currently in Stage 3 of the AESO Connection Process.

    Consistent with our previous communications, the AESO is planning to issue the Detailed Assessment Packages for Cluster 1 on June 28, 2024.

    For more details, please visit the AESO's Connecting to the Grid webpage

    AUC Renewables Pause | Aug. 3, 2023 - Feb. 29, 2024

    April 9, 2024 | AESO Update

    As a result of the Government of Alberta “pause” on renewable power plant application approvals, the AESO provided Market Participants with the flexibility of a seven-month extension to the Stage 3 maximum timeline, for renewable projects in Stage 3 of the Connection process that did not have power plant approval. Now that the pause has ended, standard stage maximums are back in effect and the pause extension will no longer be granted. The AESO's new Cluster Assessment process was not impacted by the pause, and the key dates for Cluster 1 and 2 remain as communicated on the AESO website.

    Market Participants are reminded of the role of a power plant or energy storage facility application in the AESO's Connection Process:

    • Power plant and/or energy storage facility application filing is required before the end of Stage 3 (transmission connected projects)
    • Power plant and/or energy storage facility application approval is required prior to the start of Stage 5 (both distribution and transmission connected projects)

    February 28, 2024 | Government of Alberta Announcement

    On February 28, 2024, the Government of Alberta made an announcement about the Renewables Pause, specifically the AUC Module A. The AESO will assess the impact of this announcement to determine what this means for the connection process and renewables development overall. We will subsequently inform stakeholders of any potential adjustment to our connection process and Cluster Study process because of this announcement. For more information on the Government of Alberta’s announcement, please see the Government of Alberta News Release: Renewed path forward for renewable energy.

    August 14, 2023 | AESO Connection Process Announcement

    In response to the recent Government of Alberta temporary pause on AUC approval of all new power plant applications for renewable energy and hydro projects over 1 MW, the AESO has issued a Connection Process Announcement to provide further clarity regarding the AESO’s Connection Process.

    During this temporary pause, the AESO will continue to progress System Access Service Requests (SASRs) on behalf of Market Participants following the established AESO Connection Process, including transitioning to the new cluster study assessments starting September 1, 2023.

    August 3, 2023 | Government of Alberta Announcement

    The Government of Alberta has decided to implement a pause on AUC approval of new renewable electricity generation projects over 1 MW. During this pause, in effect from August 3, 2023 to February 29, 2024, the AESO will continue to progress System Access Service Requests (SASRs) on behalf of Market Participants following the established AESO Connection Process, including transitioning to the new cluster study assessments starting September 1, 2023, as communicated to industry.

    For more information, please see the Government of Alberta News Release: Creating certainty for renewable projects.

  • Stakeholder Sessions

    CLOSED: This discussion has concluded.

    Cluster 2 Update | Nov. 20, 2024

    Purpose

    The AESO hosted virtual Grid Reliability information session from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A a high level update on Cluster 2 volumes was part of the agenda.

    Materials

    Are available under AESO Materials

    Cluster Assessment Process Implementation Info. Session | July 31, 2024

    Purpose

    The AESO held a virtual Information Session from 9:00 a.m., to 11:30 a.m. to provide stakeholders with an update on Cluster 1, following the delivery of the Stage 2 Detailed Assessment Packages, and publication of regional Congestion Assessment Reports and Conceptual System Plans.

    We reviewed the Stage 2 deliverables, discussed next steps for projects in Cluster 1, and reviewed the submission schedule and requirements for Cluster 2. Throughout the session, stakeholders had the opportunity to raise questions to the AESO through facilitated Q&A.

    Materials

    Are available under AESO Materials.

    Cluster Assessment Process Implementation Info. Session | Jan. 31, 2024

    Purpose

    The AESO provided stakeholders with a virtual update on the progress of Cluster 1, including updated congestion risk estimates on Jan. 31, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. We also discussed the detailed deliverables and schedule for Stage 2 of Cluster 1 and outline changes that will be implemented for Cluster 2. Finally, a plan for stakeholder engagement activities in 2024 was presented. Throughout the session, stakeholders had the opportunity to raise questions to the AESO through facilitated Q&A.

    Materials

    Are available in the AESO Materials section

    Session 5 - Information Session | July 20, 2023

    The AESO hosted a virtual Information Session on July 20, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

    Purpose

    The purpose of this session was to update stakeholders on the implementation of the Cluster Assessment Process. As we continued to accept System Access Service Requests (SASRs) and approached the initiation of the first cluster assessment on September 1st, 2023, the AESO shared an update of the transition plan and focus on Stage 1 implementation.

    We also discussed the next steps, and the AESO held a facilitated Q&A to respond to stakeholder questions.

    Materials

    Are available under the AESO Materials section.

    Session 4 - Implementation Update | Mar. 28, 2023

    Purpose

    The purpose of this virtual session was to update stakeholders on the next steps related to the Connection Process streamlining engagement work that occurred over the last year. The AESO shared an overview of the transition plan, Stage 0, 1 and 2 and next steps for implementation. The AESO held a facilitated Q&A to respond to stakeholder questions.

    Materials

    Can be found in the AESO Materials section.

    Session 3 - Design Session | Oct. 18, 2022

    Purpose

    Building on the last two sessions, the purpose of this engagement was to share the AESO's streamlining design for the updated Connection Process with stakeholders. Following the presentation there were facilitated breakout discussions on key design components. Breakout topics were shared via the agenda prior to the session. A Q&A was available following the introductory presentation to respond to stakeholder questions. This was an in-person engagement session and participation was limited to attendees. Stakeholders were encouraged to review the materials from Session 1 - Kickoff and Session 2 - World Café in preparation for this engagement session.

    Materials

    Can be found in the AESO Materials section.

    Session 2 - World Café | June 28, 2022

    Purpose

    The purpose of this session was to engage with stakeholders and gather feedback on potential streamlining areas for the AESO’s Connection Process. The AESO held an in-person World Café style session, where topics were previously shared via the agenda on the AESO Engage website. A facilitated Q&A was available following the introductory presentation to respond to stakeholder questions.

    Materials

    Can be found in the AESO Materials section.

    Session 1 - Kickoff | May 19, 2022

    Purpose

    This session is intended to provide stakeholders with background on the changing nature of the projects being managed in the Connection Process, the resulting challenges that have arisen, and an understanding of implications to the current portfolio of projects. A review of the overall plan for the Connection Process Streamlining initiative will be shared, and stakeholders will be informed of how they can prepare for the next session in the engagement.

    At this session, stakeholders were updated on the current state of the AESO’s Connection Process, and the Connection Process Streamlining initiative was kicked off. The AESO shared plans to engage with stakeholders on the Connection Process, with the objective of improving efficiency and reducing red tape. A facilitated Q&A was available to respond to stakeholder questions.

    Specific session objectives included:

    • Update on the changing landscape of the projects being managed in the Connection Process
    • Review current state challenges and impacts
    • Share plans for the Connection Process Streamlining initiative
    • Prepare stakeholders for the next engagement session

    Materials

    Can be found in the AESO Materials section.

Page last updated: 24 Mar 2025, 10:30 AM