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.

Amendments to Rule 027

The AUC has approved amendments to Rule 027: Specified Penalties for Contravention of Reliability Standards.

For the past few updates to Rule 027, the Commission determined that the changes were administrative in nature and did not necessitate a consultative process. The same determination has been made for these amendments.

More information can be found in Bulletin 2025-10. 

Guidelines to evaluate agricultural land for renewable generation

Alberta’s Minister of Affordability and Utilities has notified the AUC of the government’s release of its guidelines to evaluate agricultural land for renewable generation to supplement the Electric Energy Land Use and Visual Assessment Regulation (EELUVAR).

More information can be found in the letter.

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