About the AESO
The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) manages and operates the provincial power grid.
We're a not-for-profit organization with no financial investment in the industry. On behalf of Albertans, we work with industry partners and the government to make sure reliable power is there when you need it. Whatever changes happen in the world, you can rely on us to manage the electricity markets and meet your energy needs. From integrating renewable energy into your life to developing the grid, the future for electricity in Alberta looks bright.
What do we do?
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Manage and plan the power grid 24 hours a day
When you need power, you expect it. We work with industry partners to keep electricity flowing throughout the province. Our System Controllers balance supply and demand 24/7, making sure four million Albertans have power when they need it.
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Manage and operate the energy markets
In Alberta, companies own generation, transmission and distribution facilities. We dispatch the power sold by generators, using the lowest-priced electricity first and then the next lowest until the need for power has been satisfied. This is the basis of Alberta's competitive electricity market, and it's worked well for over 20 years. We also administer a transmission tariff, to facilitate fair, efficient and open transmission system access.
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Plan the future of the system and its infrastructure
As Alberta grows, so does its need for electricity. We plan ahead and expand the grid, ensuring the right transmission lines are built as efficiently as possible. As the province moves away from coal-fired power plants, we're enabling investment in renewable energy. In everything we do, our eye is always on the future.
Fact sheets and backgrounders
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Vision
The AESO is the trusted leader in the advancement of the electricity framework by ensuring reliability, facilitating competition, enabling Alberta’s economic growth, and enhancing the quality of life for Albertans.
Mission
The AESO facilitates a fair, efficient and openly competitive market for electricity and provides for the safe, reliable and economic operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System.
Industry agencies
To serve Albertans better, we've built strong relationships with agencies within Canada and the United States. Through our Interjurisdictional Affairs and Compliance group, we're part of a network of organizations focused on making energy safer and more reliable for everybody.
For more information, contact AESO's Interjurisdictional Affairs at stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca
- Canadian Electricity Association (CEA)
- ISO / RTO Council (IRC)
- North American Energy Standards Board (NAESB)
- North American Reliability Corporation (NERC)
- Northwest Power Pool (NWPP)
- Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC)
Fact sheets and backgrounders
- AC, DC and HVDC technology[Posted: February 8, 2017]
- The AESO: an overview[Posted: November 8, 2016]
- An overview of the provincial grid[Posted: November 8, 2016]
- How the AESO determines need
- The basics of electricity transmission[Posted: January 13, 2017]
- How is the pool price for electricity determined[Posted: February 8, 2017]
- How the grid is operated[Posted: February 8, 2017]
