Reliability Requirements Roadmap

Grid reliability is the AESO’s top priority. We are constantly monitoring changes and trends that could impact the grid today, and in the future.

Alberta’s electricity system continues to evolve. We are seeing:

• More wind and solar generation with different capabilities and characteristics from synchronous dispatchable generation
• Increased interest in connecting large loads, especially data centers
• More dynamic, less predictable conditions on the power grid

The 2025 Reliability Requirements Roadmap (Roadmap) outlines our plan to maintain and enhance the reliability of Alberta’s electric system. As the grid evolves with changes in both supply and demand, new challenges arise that require proactive solutions. This Roadmap details how we’ll address these challenges, ensure compliance with reliability standards, and keep the grid stable. It sets out plans addressing three critical areas:

• System Strength and Stability: Ability of the electric system to maintain stable voltages and support the secure operation of generators, storage and load during disturbances.
• Flexibility and Balancing: Ability of the electric system to adapt to dynamic and changing conditions driven by intermittent generators while maintaining balance between supply and demand.
• Frequency Response and Stability: Ability of the electric system to maintain an acceptable frequency level and to recover from supply-demand imbalance, especially when caused by contingencies, in a timely manner.

The AESO is taking decisive action to address growing reliability challenges across Alberta’s power system. These efforts are essential to ensure the grid remains reliable and capable of supporting the evolving energy landscape.