Getting Started

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get started with submitting my SASR application?

Please refer to the SASR Guide as it provides guidance on filling out the SASR application form. Once you have reviewed the SASR Guide, applicants that do not have an existing Adobe Workfront account with the AESO can initiate a one-time account setup process by sending an email to customer.connections@aeso.ca.

I’m interested in in submitting a system access service request (SASR) application. How can I determine which connection process path my project will follow?

The market participant is required to choose Cluster or Independent process when they initiate their SASR. Market participants are required to follow the Cluster Assessment Process if their facility will be injecting 5 MW of new or additional energy flow into the Alberta Interconnected Electricity System (AIES) at the facility’s connection to the AIES. All other requests follow the Independent Assessment Process. Please refer to the SASR Guide for further information.

What does "MW injection to the AIES" mean?

Injection is caused by the addition of maximum authorized real power (MARP) at the facility and may be caused by new generation or storage, or changes to existing equipment. Injection for transmission-connected projects is assessed at the facility connection point to the transmission system. Injection for distribution-connected projects (i.e. distributed energy resources) is assessed at the facility connection point to the distribution system.

Is there a fee to submit a SASR?

SASR submissions do not require a fee to be paid. Projects in the Cluster Assessment process are required to pay fees to advance into Stage 1 and Stage 2; see the Fee section of the Cluster Assessment page.

Can the AESO perform a pre-SASR congestion assessment for my proposed generation, energy storage, or combined generation/energy storage facility project?

The AESO does not perform pre-SASR congestion assessments. We have made available the Congestion Portal, a first-of-its-kind industry tool that gives market participants fast, self-serve access to project-specific congestion information across Alberta. The portal enables users to understand where congestion may occur on the transmission system and how it could affect project development, siting and investment decisions. It also includes geographic data layers to provide additional system context to support these decisions. The Congestion Portal uses forward-looking simulations to provide location-specific congestion information and is updated quarterly. This allows both the AESO and market participants to access the same information on demand. Please refer to the FAQs on the Congestion Portal.

Where can I find transmission capability information for my proposed generation, energy storage, or combined generation/energy storage facility project?

The AESO publishes a technology-agnostic transmission capability map. Transmission capability is the estimated additional generation capacity that could be connected at different locations on the existing transmission system. The map assists market participants to make informed business decisions for generation capacity and location siting to facilitate optimizing the transmission system. The current version of the transmission capability map illustrates the transmission capability in the South and Central East regions. The AESO has plans to expand this map to other areas of the province in the future.

You may also reach out to the Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) or Distribution Facility Owner (DFO) in your proposed project area to obtain pre-connection assessments services.

How do I determine which projects in the AESO Connection Project List are close to my proposed project?

The AESO publishes a Connection Project List Map, which identifies the geographic location of all projects on the AESO’s most recent project list, as well as the location of existing generation assets. Please refer to this map to determine proximate projects to your proposed project area.

How long does it take for a project to proceed through the AESO Connection Process?

We have published target and maximum stage timelines for the Connection process and the Behind the Fence process on page three in the Connection Process Information Document. Project timelines are variable and are based on the project type and the complexity of the connection.

Timelines for the Cluster Assessment Process are established prior to the start of each cluster and available on the AESO website on the Cluster Assessment page.

The AESO has published actual performance metrics for Cluster, Connection and Behind the Fence Projects as of April 2026 in the Connection Process Performance Update.

What steps can I take to increase the success of my project?

Minimize changes to the project information provided in the SASR application throughout the life of the project. This means develop and design your project as much as possible prior to submitting your SASR.

We would strongly encourage Market Participants to engage with a consultant to help them navigate the technical and regulatory aspects of their potential connection. There are several consultants familiar with the interconnection and regulatory processes in Alberta. We would recommend an online search to get in contact with an experienced consultant.