Updated Rule 007: Facility Applications released

The AUC has updated Rule 007: Facility Applications. In addition to a revised name and general updates to the rule, Rule 007 has been updated to align with Alberta Government policies and regulations, and to take into consideration stakeholder feedback.

The updated rule includes changes to the following topics: timelines to construct and associated time extensions, municipal consultation, Indigenous consultation, visual impact assessments, agricultural land use and assessments, reclamation security and associated approval transfers, solar glare, shadow flicker, energy storage safety and cumulative effects.

The updated rule is effective November 6, 2025. Until then, use the effective Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations, Hydro Developments​ and Gas Utility Pipelines.

More information can be found in Bulletin 2025-14. 

Amendments proposed to Rule 024: Rules Respecting Micro-Generation and associated documents available for written feedback until November 3, 2025

The AUC has issued draft blackline versions of Rule 024: Rules Respecting Micro-Generation and associated documents.

The draft blackline versions are available for written feedback until November 3, 2025, on the Rule 024 Engage page. The proposed changes are based on feedback received through written consultation conducted by the AUC, that was held from May to June 2025, as well as AUC staff and legal review.

More information can be found in Bulletin 2025-13.

Introduction of interim information requirements for the consideration of cumulative effects and recent guidelines to evaluate agricultural land for renewable generation

In its June 3, 2025, letter to the AUC, the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities stated that the government of Alberta expects its agencies, including the AUC, to consider cumulative effects and the outcomes associated with them. The AUC is introducing new interim information requirements for applicants for power plants and energy storage facilities 10 megawatts or greater related to the consideration of cumulative effects.

On July 8, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation released the Guidelines to evaluate agricultural land for renewable generation to supplement the Electric Energy Land Use and Visual Assessment Regulation. As a result, the AUC adjusted its current interim information requirements for agricultural land, to ask for information on whether an applicant is going to meet the guidelines, and reporting, as set out in the updated Rule 007 interim information requirements document.

AUC issues 2024-2025 Report Card

The AUC issued its 2024-2025 Report Card today, providing a summary of the organizational accomplishments towards meeting its strategic objectives.

The 2024-2025 Report Card highlights our progress on items outlined in the AUC’s Strategic Plan and specifically identifies the work completed to deliver on each of the AUC’s three strategic plan pillars: facilitating change in the sector, efficiency and limiting regulatory burden, and people.

Rule 035 to facilitate funding for the Utilities Consumer Advocate

The AUC has approved Rule 035: The Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate Administration Fee. The rule comes into effect on September 1, 2025.

The rule places a Office of the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) administration fee on regulated distribution utilities and sets out its determination and calculation.

More information can be found in Bulletin 2025-11.

Updated — Emergency Billing Relief Program

The AUC received feedback from stakeholders regarding the EBRP and has updated both the manual and FAQ to improve the program. The changes do not impact utility customers but rather streamlines procedures for utilities to process credits.

The AUC coordinates the Emergency Billing Relief Program (EBRP), as directed by the Government of Alberta. Under the EBRP, eligible utility customers receive financial relief during times of mandatory evacuation orders as stated on the Alberta Emergency Alert website.

More information can be found here: Emergency Billing Relief Program – AUC