Cluster Assessments

To see how Cluster Assessments fit into the overall AESO Connection Process, see the graphic.

Cluster Assessments are a new way for the AESO to assess projects. Instead of assessing projects individually, projects are batched (i.e. clustered) and assessed together simultaneously. This is a common industry practice across many other North American ISOs. 

The cluster assessment includes generation and energy storage projects that will inject at least 5 MW of new or additional flow into the Alberta interconnected electric system (AIES) at the facility’s connection to the AIES (i.e., the transmission or distribution system, as applicable).  

A graphical overview of the Cluster Assessment process is being developed and will be posted here when it is available.

Intake Window

SASR submissions for Cluster 1 with energization dates up to Aug. 31, 2028 will be accepted from 12:01am MST on April 3, 2023 to 11:59pm MST on Aug. 31, 2023. SASR submissions for Cluster 2 will be accepted starting on Sept. 1, 2023.

Note, to be considered for Cluster 1, a complete SASR must be received by 11:59pm MST on Aug. 31, 2023. See the SASR Guide below for a description of a complete SASR. Failure to submit a complete SASR by the SASR submission deadline for Cluster 1 may result in the SASR being processed for Cluster 2.

Preliminary Assessment Fee Dates

For all SASRs submitted during the intake window for Cluster 1, the AESO will issue an invoice for the preliminary assessment fee on September 12, 2023. Payment is due 30 days after the issuance of the invoice, on October 12, 2023.

Stage 1 Dates

The following key dates apply in Stage 1:

• The AESO will issue an invoice for the Detailed Assessment Fee on December 14, 2023.
• The AESO will issue the Preliminary Assessment Packages on January 12, 2024.
• Upon review of the Preliminary Assessment Package, the market participant may wish to submit a Project Change Proposal. The deadline for submission of Project Change Proposals is January 26, 2024. See the Project Change Proposal Guidelines for more information.
• Payment of the Detailed Assessment Fee is due on February 9, 2024.

Stage 2 Dates

The following key target dates apply in Stage 2:

For a list of projects in Cluster 1, please refer to the Connection Project List on the Connection Project Reporting page.

To see congestion information for Cluster 1, please refer to the congestion estimate heat maps on the Cluster Assessment Reporting page.

Intake Window

SASR applications for Cluster 2 with energization dates up to July 26, 2029 can be submitted starting at 12:00am MDT on September 1, 2023. The intake window is estimated to close on July 26, 2024, subject to timely completion of Cluster 1.

For an overview of the timeline for Cluster 2, see the following graphic.

See the Fee Guideline for more information about fees and their associated deadlines.

• SASR for Cluster Projects
• SASR for Cluster Projects Guide
• Stage 0-1-2 PDUP Supplement
• Stage 0 PDUP Checklist
• Project Change Proposal Guidelines

Sample Documents:

• Project Plan - Cluster Projects
• Preliminary Assessment Study Scope
• Preliminary Assessment Report
• AESO Cost Estimate Descriptions

Required deliverables:

• SASR
• Preliminary Assessment Fee

Roles and Responsibilities:

Applicant

• Submits SASR
• Submits Preliminary Assessment Fee payment

AESO

• Reviews SASR
• Assigns project name, number and AESO Project Manager
• Issues Preliminary Assessment fee invoice
• After completing all Stage 0 required deliverables by the appropriate deadlines, the AESO issues an email acknowledging the project has advanced to Stage 1

Required Deliverables:

• Project Plan
• Preliminary Assessment Study Scope 
• Preliminary Assessment Package which includes: 
  • Preliminary Assessment Report
  • Class 5 Cost Estimate
• Detailed Assessment Fee

Roles and Responsibilities:

Market Participant

• Reviews Project Plan and Study Scope 
• Submits Detailed Assessment Fee payment 

TFO

• Reviews Project Plan and Study Scope 

AESO 

• Initiates project kick-off meeting 
• Completes Project Plan
• Completes Preliminary Assessment Study Scope  
• Issues Preliminary Assessment Package 
• Issues Detailed Assessment Fee invoice 
• After completing all Stage 1 required deliverables by the appropriate deadlines, the AESO issues an email acknowledging the project has advanced to Stage 2 

Additional Information: 

• Upon review of the Preliminary Assessment Package, the market participant may wish to submit a Project Change Proposal. See the Project Change Proposal Guidelines for more information.  

Required deliverables:

• Detailed Assessment Package which includes:
  • Detailed Assessment Report
  • Congestion Assessment
  • Facility Scope
  • Class 5 Cost Estimate
• GUOC Evidence or Payment
• Stage 3 & 4 Security

Roles and Responsibilities:

GFO

• Submits GUOC evidence or payment
• Provides Stage 3 & 4 security to the TFO

TFO

• Reviews Facility Scope

AESO

• Issues Detailed Assessment Package
• After completing all Stage 2 required deliverables by the appropriate deadlines, the AESO issues an email acknowledging the project has advanced to Stage 3

Additional Information:

• Upon review of the Detailed Assessment Package, the market participant may wish to submit a Project Change Proposal. See the Project Change Proposal Guidelines for more information.