Becoming a Market Participant

What is a market participant?

Market participants are companies or organizations that trade electricity through the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO). They include power generators, consumers and marketers.

Generators include both power producers and companies that purchased the rights to formerly regulated Alberta generation during two auctions in 2000.

Consumers may be either retailers, which purchase power and provide related services, such as distribution and billing, on behalf of many customers, or self-retailers, which buy power for their own use.

In addition to the spot market operated by the AESO, power purchasers may contract for physical delivery of power on a forwards market operated by Alberta Watt Exchange Limited. Through the forwards market, buyers and sellers can lock in a firm price for electricity. Buyers and sellers can also arrange direct sales or forward market contracts for their electricity needs.

How do I become a participant?


Under the Electric Utilities Act, only market participants can buy and sell electricity in Alberta.

Joining the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) involves:  

ISO Rules

Market participants also pay a trading charge (currently 14.1 cents per megawatt hour) on all energy exchanged through the AESO.    

For more information contact:
 

Marina Jagbandhansingh
Supervisor, Energy Market Participant Support
Phone: (403) 539-2587
Fax: (403) 539-2949
E-mail:  marina.jagbandhandsingh@aeso.ca

 

 

Nicole Boulet
Energy Market Advisor 

Phone: (403) 539-2634
Fax: (403) 539-2949
E-mail:  nicole.boulet@aeso.ca

 

AESO firstcall
Phone: 1-888-588-AESO (2376)
E-mail: info@aeso.ca