Connection process updates
Below are announcements involving any changes to the AESO Connection Process, AESO Business Practices or revised industry templates, listed in chronological order by publishing date.
March 12, 2019
Update to System Access Service Request (SASR)
The SASR application form is used to request new or altered system access service on the transmission system. The updated version includes refinements for clarity and ease of use.
Please click here to view the updated SASR
February 26, 2019
Update to Connection Process Quick Reference Guide
The Quick Reference Guide is a connection process overview and metrics document, which provides a high-level summary of the current process on one side and stage-duration metrics on the other. The stage-duration metrics have been updated to include stages completed between Jan. 1, 2017 and Jan. 1, 2019. No other updates were made to the document. The Quick Reference Guide can be found on this page.
November 30, 2018
Collaborative Industry Stakeholder Session - Presentation
On Nov. 30, 2018, the AESO held a collaborative industry stakeholder session as part of the continuous improvement and evaluation of its connection process. The session primarily focused on the connection of generation projects in the province, and was attended by over fifty participants from across industry. The AESO presentation portion of the session is available here.
August 28, 2018
Notice of Effective Date – Amendments to Section 501.3, Abbreviated Needs Approval Process (Section 501.3)
The AESO filed a Notice of Filing with the Alberta Utilities Commission for the proposed amended Section 501.3. In accordance with Section 20.3 of the Electric Utilities Act, the objection period has passed and the amended Section 501.3 will come into effect on Aug. 31, 2018.
Please click here to view the updated ISO rule.
March 6, 2018
New Information Document, Provision of System Access Service and the Connection Process (ID #2018-018T)
The AESO posted new ID #2018-018T, which replaces the Connection Queue Business Practices and the stage 2 on hold guideline. The ID aligns with the current ISO Tariff and documents the current practices used in the Connection Process.
Please click here to view ID #2018-018T.
January 3, 2018
Evolving the Connection Process – Request for Stakeholder Interest
The AESO is committed to continuous improvement of the Connection Process to ensure we continue to address the needs of stakeholders. We are seeking input and feedback from organizations that work with or are involved in the process on a regular basis. If your organization has an interest in participating in future consultations around the evolution of the Connection Process, please email customer.connections@aeso.ca with the organization name and contact information for a representative.
June 29, 2017
Flexibility in the Connection Process
The AESO is introducing an option allowing Market Participants to place a project on hold near the end of Stage 2. This option to go on hold is available July 1, 2017 and adds additional flexibility to the Connection Process.
Please click here to view ID #2018-018T which contains more information.
November 10, 2016
Revised System Access Service Request
The AESO has revised the System Access Service Request (SASR) document to more effectively collect required information, as part of our continuous effort to improve the efficiency of the current connection process. In addition to requiring a completed Non -Disclosure Agreement, the revised SASR will allow the AESO to assess the service request more comprehensively.
Please click here to view the revised SASR.
October 27, 2016
Connection Process - Gate 3 requirements for proposed wind generators
The AESO has clarified the requirements for wind generating facilities in Stage 3 of the Connection Process as it relates to the AUC’s Buildable Areas approval process. The AESO requires the wind generating facility to complete its phase 2 application for approval to construct and operate the wind power plant in the approved buildable area, rather than a phase 1 buildable area application, to satisfy the Stage 3 Connection Process requirement of filing of a power plant application.
Please click here for more information. For project specific inquiries, please contact your Project Manager.
October 14, 2016
Consolidated Cost Template
The AESO has revised the cost template in order to allow for market participants to consolidate Transmission project cost information in one excel workbook. This consolidation includes the cost estimate for the initial service proposal, revised cost estimates due to change proposals throughout the life of the project, other cost estimates such as the cost estimate 180 days after permit and licenses and the 90-day post energization final cost estimate. In addition to cost estimates, this template also includes the reporting of actual final costs.
To view details on the changes, instructions on the new template, and a Q&A, click here.
Click here for the new cost template.
June 2, 2016
The AESO has updated the Connection Proposal template to align with other updates to templates in the connection process. The template applies to all System Access Service Requests(SASRs) in Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the connection process as well as all new SASRs.
Please click here for more information. For project specific inquiries, please contact your Project Manager.
A FAQ for the connection proposal template can be found here.
March 31, 2016
The AESO has undertaken an initiative to improve the documents that make up the Needs Identification Document (NID) Engineering Study Reports (ESRs). The new NID ESR templates are broken into three templates to clearly define the scope of work for each document.
Please click here for more information. For project specific inquiries, please contact your Project Manager.
March 31, 2016
The AESO has updated the Project Data Update Package (PDUP) submissions process for Projects in Stage 1 as well as the PDUP Instruction Manual. Please click here for more information.
