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)
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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.
