How Did We Get Here?
The REM’s design process has been highly collaborative and transparent, ensuring the market framework reflects the interests and needs of all Albertans. From the beginning, the AESO prioritized timely communication, extensive stakeholder involvement, and responsiveness to feedback. Through this approach, over 230 organizations contributed their expertise and insights which helped identify priorities like clear investment signals, balanced market power protections, price transparency, and fair cost sharing.
To achieve these goals, the AESO established working groups, engaged expert consultants for modelling and analysis, and refined core design elements such as locational marginal pricing, market power mitigation, day-ahead markets and reliability unit commitment triggers.
Engagement by the Numbers
(Q3 2023 – Q3 2025)
-
12
information sessions (virtual and in-person) to update Albertans
-
300+
hours of structured collaboration
-
270+
written submissions received and reviewed
INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES
The REM high level design is the culmination of extensive work and collaboration undertaken by the Government, AESO, and industry stakeholders over more than a year. It is a step forward in Alberta’s market design to meet the challenges of operating a reliable electric system that is decarbonizing and integrating unprecedented levels of new renewable generation supply. Thank you for the commitment from the AESO to work collaboratively with industry on the opportunities and challenges facing the electricity sector in Alberta.
John Kousinioris, President and CEO
TransAlta
Reviewed by independent experts
The AESO engaged independent external experts to review the REM design. Their findings indicate that the design is reasonable and sets the market on a path to achieving its desired outcomes.
ECCO International, a market design consultant, reviewed the REM design and compared it with other energy markets. Their report confirmed that the REM design is reasonable, reflects sound market principles and aligns with the best global practices.
“ECCO’s assessment of the overall REM design is that it is reasonable and technically robust and meets the objectives set forth by the AESO.”
ECCO International (August 2025)
Independent Evaluation of the AESO REM Design
MPA, an investment advisor, consulted financial institutions to understand their views on how the REM supports or hinders investment. The report shows that the financial sector emphasizes the importance of the REM providing clarity, certainty and confidence to sustain private capital in Alberta’s energy sector.
“The feedback summarized in this report reflects a constructive tone and demonstrates general support for the AESO’s efforts to improve investment signals through market reform.”
MPA (August 2025)
Creditor Perspectives on the Alberta Electrical Power Market and the AESO’s REM Initiative
