Improvements to cost-of-service rates proceedings for transmission utilities

The AUC remains dedicated to increasing efficiency and reducing regulatory burden and has undertaken a review of its approach to processing transmission utility cost-of-service rate applications.

Following a stakeholder consultation held on September 12, 2024, the AUC is immediately implementing improvements for all cost-of-service transmission utility rates proceedings.

More information on the improvements made can be found in Bulletin 2025-01.

Changes to interim information requirements for power plant applications

The AUC has changed its interim information requirements for power plant applications as per the Electric Energy Land Use and Visual Assessment Regulation, enacted on December 6, 2024.

The regulation necessitates changes to the AUC’s interim information requirements for power plant applications depending on their nature and location. Bulletin 2024-25 provides initial direction on how the AUC will apply this regulation. Parties can expect further opportunity to comment on these changes in the new year, as part of the consultation process for Rule 007.

More information can be found in Bulletin 2024-25.

Suspension of post-construction monitoring requirements at applicable solar power plants for the 2025 season

The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) is temporarily suspending Section 3 of Rule 033 for operational solar power plants that are not located within 1,000 metres of a named lake or a wetland-based Important Bird Area (suspended facilities). The temporary suspension is effective beginning on January 1, 2025, and ending on December 31, 2025 (2025 season). This suspension does not apply to wind power plants.

More information can be found in Bulletin 2024-24.