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Behind the Fence (BTF) Process

Improvements to the AESO Connection Process are underway. See the Cluster Assessments page for more information. For an overview of how Cluster Assessments will fit into the AESO Connection Process, see the graphic here.

This page is intended to provide an overview of the key deliverables and roles and responsibilities for a typical project as it follows the BTF Process. The key deliverables and roles and responsibilities described below may be modified based on the scope and complexity of the project.

For a high-level summary of the Behind the Fence Process, see the Quick Reference Guide:

Behind the Fence Quick Reference Guide [Posted: Dec. 8, 2022]

Acronym Reference


AUC	Alberta Utilities Commission
CCD	Construction Contribution Decision
CEII	Critical Energy Infrastructure Information
DFO	Distribution Facility Owner
DTS	Demand Transmission Service
ETS	Energy Trading System
GFO	Generation Facility Owner
GUOC	Generating Unit Owner’s Contribution
ISD	In-Service Date
MC	Maximum Capability
MP	Market Participant
NID	Needs Identification Document
P&L	Permit & License
PDUP	Project Data Update Package
SAS	System Access Service
SASR	System Access Service Request
SLD	Single Line Diagram
STS	Supply Transmission Service
TFO	Transmission Facility Owner

Stage 0: Application

Target Timeline: 2 weeks

Stage 0 is the initiation stage of the Connection, Behind the Fence, and Contract Processes. In this stage, the market participant identifies a request for a new project by submitting a SASR to the AESO. The SASR is reviewed by the AESO for completeness and the project is initiated. The SASR is reviewed for completeness and the AESO may reach out to the market participant to clarify project information or to discuss project complexity. Upon completion of the review, the project is initiated.

Required Deliverables
- SASR
Roles and Responsibilities
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Submits SASR
- Activates account in the CEII Request Portal
AESO
- Reviews SASR
- Assigns project name and number and AESO Project Manager
- After completing all Gate 0 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 0 completion to the market participant
Additional Information
- For a list of initial steps to consider prior to submitting a SASR to the AESO, see the “Initiating a project” section on the Connecting to the grid page
- Read the SASR Guide for guidance while completing the SASR
- Review ID #2018-018T for further information about the AESO Connection Process
- Read the Principles for External Engagement
- Sign up for the AESO Stakeholder Newsletter for AESO updates in the footer of this webpage

Stage 1: Scope

Target Timeline: 8 weeks

Stage 1 is the scoping stage of the project. This stage includes a project kick-off meeting which begins discussions regarding the Project Plan and Study Scope. The responsibilities and involvement of the AESO, TFO, GFO, market participant, and study consultant are determined for the project.

Required Deliverables
- Project Plan
- Study Scope*
- Stage 1 PDUP
Roles and Responsibilities
AESO
- Completes Study Scope
- Reviews Project Plan
- Reviews PDUP
- After completing all Gate 1 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 1 completion to the market participant
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Submits Stage 1 PDUP
- Reviews Project Plan and Study Scope
GFO
- Reviews Project Plan and Study Scope
TFO
- Reviews Project Plan and Study Scope
INTEGRATED PM
- Initiates project kick-off meeting
- Completes Project Plan
- Coordinates meetings and takes meeting minutes
- Coordinates deliverables between AESO, market participant, and TFO
Additional Information
- The market participant is responsible for performing the necessary studies for the project and is responsible for all project costs
- The study consultant and TFO should attend the kick-off meeting
- Refer to the Project Data Update Package – Instruction Manual (PDUP-IM) for information about the content of the PDUP
- Contact customer.connections@aeso.ca if you would like an example of a Study Scope

Stage 2: Assessment

Target Timeline: 14 weeks

In Stage 2, engineering studies are completed to assess the impact of the project on the grid. The study results are reviewed by the AESO.

Required Deliverables
- Engineering Study Results (ESR)*
- SLDs
- Proposal to Proceed
- Stage 2 PDUP
Roles and Responsibilities
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Activates account in the Customer Connections SharePoint Online (SPO) Site and retrieves CEII from the site
- Submits Engineering Study Results and SLDs
- Submits Stage 2 PDUP
AESO
- Uploads CEII to the Customer Connections SPO Site
- Reviews Engineering Study Results and SLDs
- Reviews PDUP
- Issues Proposal to Proceed
- After completing all Gate 2 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 2 completion to the market participant
INTEGRATED PM
- Coordinates meetings and takes meeting minutes
- Coordinates deliverables between AESO, market participant, and TFO
Additional Information
- See the Connection Study Requirements for more information about how to perform the engineering studies
- Ensure the study consultant communicates with the AESO's Study Engineer prior to starting any work and at any time when issues are identified during the study
- See the Single Line Diagram (SLD) Guideline for information about the content of the SLDs.
- Refer to the Project Data Update Package – Instruction Manual (PDUP-IM) for information about the content of the PDUP
- Set up early meetings with the TFO to understand any costs associated with the project scope
- Market participants have the option to put a project on hold near the end of Stage 2. Please click here to view ID #2018-018T which contains more information.

Stage 3/4: Technical and Contract

Target Timeline: 26 weeks

In Stage 3/4, the AESO issues the Functional Specification for the project and generators are granted power plant approval from the AUC. The market participant and the AESO sign the SAS Agreement.

Required Deliverables
- Functional Specification
- Direction Letter*
- Cost Estimate*
- Stage 3/4 CCD*
- SAS Agreement*
- GUOC Notice (generators only)
- Construction Contribution payment or refund*
- GUOC payment (generators only)
- Power Plant Approval (generators only)
Roles and Responsibilities
AESO
- Issues Functional Specification and Direction Letter
- Reviews Cost Estimate
- Issues Stage 3/4 CCD
- Issues GUOC Notice
- Executes the SAS Agreement
- After completing all Gate 3/4 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 3/4 completion to the market participant
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Reviews Functional Specification
- Executes the SAS Agreement
- Makes construction contribution payment or receives construction contribution refund
GFO
- Reviews Functional Specification
- Submits GUOC payment
- Confirms Power Plant Approval received
TFO
- Reviews Functional Specification
- Submits Cost Estimate
AUC
- Reviews Power Plant Application and, if approved, provides Power Plant Approval
INTEGRATED PM
- Coordinates meetings and takes meeting minutes
- Coordinate deliverables between AESO, market participant, and TFO
Additional Information
- A Project Schedule Alignment is completed and signed by all parties near the beginning of Stage 3
- See Section 504.5 of the ISO rules, Service Proposals and Cost Estimating and the related ID #2015-002R for more information
- To estimate the GUOC amount, refer to the GUOC Estimation Calculator

Stage 5: Construction

Target Timeline: Not applicable

In Stage 5, any equipment or facility modifications occur, including the connection of a generator to the distribution system, and all parties prepare for energization.

Required Deliverables
- 100 Day Energization Package which includes the Stage 5 PDUP and Financial Security for SAS Agreements
- 30 Day Energization Package
- ETS setup (generators only)
Roles and Responsibilities
AESO
- Reviews items outlined in the Energization Package Requirements
- Reviews application and sets up the GFO and the asset in ETS
- After completing all Gate 5 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 5 completion to the market participant
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Submits required items in the 100 Day Energization Package
- Submits required items in the 30 Day Energization Package
GFO
- Submits required items in the 100 Day Energization Package
- Submits required items in the 30 Day Energization Package
- Submits application to be set up in ETS
TFO
- Submits required items in the 100 Day Energization Package
- Submits required items in the 30 Day Energization Package
INTEGRATED PM
- Coordinates meetings and takes meeting minutes
- Coordinates deliverables between AESO, market participant, and TFO
Additional Information
- The Energization Package Requirements provides a detailed list of deliverables and timelines required for energization of the project
- A consolidated Stage 5 PDUP must be submitted by either the market participant, GFO, or TFO. Refer to the Project Data Update Package – Instruction Manual (PDUP-IM) for information about the content of the PDUP.
- A Project Schedule Alignment is completed and signed by all parties near the beginning of Stage 5
- See the Joining the energy market page for more information about how to apply to be set up in ETS
- The market participant may be required to provide financial security to the AESO in this stage. See Section 103.3 of the ISO rules, Financial Security Requirements for more information.

Stage 6: Close Out