ISO Rules Consultation Process
In the discharge of its statutory authority and obligations, the AESO develops and publishes binding ISO rules, including OPPs (collectively "ISO rules"). The AESO consults with stakeholders regarding the development of new ISO rules, for ISO rules changes, and for the removal of ISO rules that are no longer required due to changed circumstances (collectively "draft ISO rules changes")*
An effective consultation process will involve a full discussion of the views of the consulting parties, to enable the AESO to make the best decision possible in the context of the AESO mandate to make ISO rules pursuant to the legislation and regulations.
The AESO is committed to a comprehensive, inclusive, transparent, fair and efficient consultation process.
*Note that proposed ISO rules changes do not include ISO rules made purusant to Section 20.6 of the Electric Utilities Act.
ISO Principles for Consultation on ISO Rules Changes
The AESO principles for consultation on draft ISO rules changes are intended to provide guidance respecting the conduct of both the AESO and stakeholders. The AESO principles for consultation are as follows:
ISO Rule Consultation Steps
In an effort to follow a well documented and consistent consultation process for the draft ISO rules changes a number of consultation steps are set out in the table below. The proposed steps are divided into three main sections: (1) Information Gathering and Issue Assessment; (2) Developing the Policy Position and (3) Rule Development and AUC Filing.
The Information Gathering and Issue Assessment section sets out the steps to explore a need or matter with stakeholders to identify the potential need for draft ISO rules change. The requirement to explore a need or matter may be identified or initiated by the AESO, a Stakeholder, an Agency, the Government, or a Committee.
The Developing the Policy Position section sets out the steps for where the AESO determines a policy position based on information obtained during the Information gathering and Issue Assessment steps. A recommendation paper may be developed to set out the policy and then sent to stakeholders for comments.
The ISO Rule Development and AUC Filing section sets out the steps to be followed to advance a draft ISO rule change, if required. These steps are compliant with Alberta Utilities Commission Rule 017.
The consultation steps and timelines may be adjusted depending on the importance, complexity and urgency of the draft ISO rule changes. A determination in this regard will be made during the development of the Terms of Reference for the specific draft ISO rules changes.
Feedback
The AESO seeks to continuously improve its ISO rules consultation process and will periodically seek and evaluate feedback from stakeholders regarding the process. However, if you have any comments regarding the ISO rules consultation process, please forward them to rules_comments@aeso.ca.