Red Willow Solar and Energy Storage Project Connection (2789)

Red Willow Solar Inc. (RWSI) has applied to the AESO for transmission system access to connect its approved Red Willow Solar and Energy Storage Project (Facility) in the Stettler area. RWSI’s request can be met by the following solution:

• Add one 240 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to connect the Facility to the existing 240 kV transmission line 9L20 using a T-tap configuration.
• Add or modify associated equipment as required for the above transmission developments.

Abbreviated Needs Approval Process: Notice of Consideration

The AESO intends to consider the need for the Red Willow Solar and Energy Storage Project Connection for approval under Section 501.3 of the ISO rules, Abbreviated Needs Approval Process, (ANAP Rule) on or after July 23, 2026. If stakeholders have any questions or concerns, please contact the AESO before this date.

• The AESO has determined that the Project is eligible for consideration under the ANAP Rule because the following eligibility criteria have been met:
• Project costs are estimated to be $9M and were classified as participant-related in accordance with the ISO tariff. Additionally, in accordance with the ISO tariff, the AESO has determined that Red Willow Solar Inc. is eligible for approximately $0.1M of local investment;
• the AESO has completed a participant involvement program (PIP) in accordance with the guidelines in Alberta Utilities Commission Rule 007; 
• the Project is not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects; and
• No concerns or objections with the need for the Project have been raised. Prior to making its approval decision, the AESO will address additional stakeholder concerns that arise, if any.

Supporting information about this Project is available in the following documents:

• AESO Project Connection Assessment
• Central Cluster Region Detailed Assessment Report
• TFO Cost Estimate
• AESO PIP Summary

Market Participant Notification

The Facility will be connected in the AESO’s Central Planning Region. Market Participants wishing to understand curtailment risk can find congestion information for scenarios that include the Facility in the Central Region Congestion Assessment [Posted: April 22, 2026].

Need Overview

• Need for the Red Willow Solar and Energy Storage Project [Posted: January 28, 2026]