​Proposing a renewable power plant

Companies or organizations that intend on building and operating any power plant with a capability of more than 10 megawatts must obtain approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission. This includes renewable power plants such as wind and solar farms. Applicants are required to compete a number of steps, outlined in Rule 007, before submitting a request for approval of a power plant application. The most notable requirements for renewable power plant applications that may be required are:

• A participant involvement program.
• A noise impact assessment.
• Compliance with Alberta Wildlife and Parks directives and land use guidelines.
• Alberta Electric System Operator interconnection information.
• Consultation with provincial and municipal governments, and sometimes federal (e.g. endangered species).

Power plants generating less than five megawatts from renewable or alternate fuel sources intended to meet all or a portion of the generators consumption is micro-generation and does not require AUC approval.

Although this is not an exhaustive list, some of the organizations that must be involved in the proposal and development of a renewable power plant in Alberta are, or may be:

• The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO), if seeking a transmission connection. Such a connection requires AESO and AUC processes that are separate from the power plant project application.
• The AESO, if seeking to take part in energy procurement programs.
• The wires owner, local distribution utility or distribution facilities owner, if the project is to be connected to the distribution system.
• Applicants may need to contact:
• Landowners, residents and municipalities in the area being considered for the power plant.
• The wires owner, also called the distribution company, in the area of the proposed project.
• Alberta Environment and Parks
• The Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency
• Environment Canada
• Local municipal districts and/or counties
• Transport Canada/NAV Canada
• Alberta Transportation
• Alberta Culture and Tourism
• Indigenous groups.
• Certain studies may require noise consultants or other experts as set out in Rule 012: Noise Control.