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    IT Systems

    Robust IT systems are essential for a successful market transition, forming the backbone of the electricity market to ensure seamless operations, participant engagement and long-term market efficiency.

    The AESO is using a phased approach to IT system development and deployment. This includes prioritizing essential features for launch, enabling early participant engagement through soft launches and system trials and addressing the evolving needs of market participants.

    Key phases of IT system development and deployment ensure readiness for the new market and a smooth transition to full operations.

    Phase Details

    1. Build

    In Progress

    We’ve prioritized essential platform features and functionalities for effective market operations at launch. This minimum viable product (MVP) approach ensures critical components are ready to achieve a timely and efficient go-live. 

    Post-launch, we will enhance the platform with additional efficiency-oriented features to optimize performance and meet the evolving market participant needs.

    2. Soft Launch

    January 2027

    The soft launch, planned for January through Q3 2027, will allow market participants to build, test and train on their new IT system platforms.

    The soft launch involves rapid rollout of system elements as they become available, enabling early testing and feedback. 

    While some components may not be complete at rollout, early access helps participants prepare and engage effectively.

    3. System Trials

    Q3 2027

    System trials will begin once participants can access necessary platform elements.

    During this phase: 

    • The AESO and participants will test systems collaboratively to identify and resolve issues.
    • End-to-end testing will confirm system stability once MVP features are fully integrated.

    Trials in a production-like environment will also allow participants to: 

    • Test and learn the market.
    • Explore REM operations using trial data and evolving bidding strategies.

    4. Market Cutover 

    2028

    The final phase begins when systems are fully tested and ready. Key activities include:

    • Mock cutovers to simulate the transition.
    • Contingency planning to ensure a seamless go-live and minimize market suspension risks.

    Core System Platforms

     

    Market Management System

    Energy Settlement System

    Operating Reserve Procurement Platform 

    Acronym

    MMS

    ESS 

    OPP

    What it is

    The MMS will translate market participant bids into dispatch decisions and market prices, while ensuring the system remains reliable 

    ESS will convert metered electricity flows and market prices into financial payments and charges for every market participant 

    ORPP will procure reserve capacity one day in advance, so the grid has fast-responding resources available to maintain reliability 

    Work underway

    Final platform design requirement decisions for Alberta market

    MVP design build underway 

    MVP design build underway 

    Early platform design decisions with vendor 
    IT Systems