AUC inquiry into the ongoing economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta – Module B

AUC inquiry process for Module B

Proceeding 28542:  Register

 

The AUC held an inquiry into the ongoing economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta.

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Scope of the AUC’s inquiry

The inquiry is separated into two modules (Module A and Module B) to explore the key issues identified in the Alberta government’s order-in-council. Module A, which was considered in Proceeding 28501, explored the land impact issues identified in the Alberta government’s order-in-council. The Module A report is available here.

In Module B, the AUC was directed to consider the impact the increasing growth of renewables has to both generation supply mix and electricity system reliability. The AUC is aware that the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is undertaking complementary work relating to system reliability. The AUC took the AESO’s work into account to support the inquiry. The Module B report is available here.

The AUC commissioned two expert reports as summarized below. The scope of work for each report is set out in detail in a separate letter.

Expert report Scope of report
  • Review and assess prior studies that evaluate the evolution of the Alberta electric system from a technical and/or economic perspective in order to inform reliability and affordability questions.
  • Following stakeholder engagement, development of a technical, simulation-based assessment of future wholesale market fundamentals under the current energy market design over the long term to evaluate future system reliability (e.g., resource adequacy) and consider electric utility bill impacts for retail customers.
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  • Using targeted stakeholder engagement and other means, gauge current perception of Alberta’s power market by relevant generation developers (incumbent and non-incumbent) and sources of capital to review attractiveness of Alberta’s market structure, views on potential market structure changes, and appetite for merchant power risk.
  • Identify the drivers behind stakeholder perception of Alberta’s power market.

 

AUC inquiry into the ongoing economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta – Module B