Connecting to the Grid

To initiate a request for new or altered system access service on the transmission system, market participants must submit a System Access Service Request (SASR). Prior to submitting a SASR, review in detail the applicable SASR form and guide to understand the submission requirements.

Cluster Assessment Projects

Generation and energy storage projects that will inject at least 5 MW of new or additional flow into the Alberta interconnected electric system (AIES) follow the Cluster Assessment Process. Market participants must complete and submit the new SASR for Cluster Projects and required attachments as outlined in the SASR for Cluster Projects Guide. Note that this SASR includes these additional requirements for the next cluster:

• Confirmation of 90% site control (increased from 50%)
• Submission of the Stage 0 PDUP Checklist with the Stage 0 PDUP

In addition to an accepted SASR, market participants must also meet the following requirements for acceptance into the next cluster. Please see the Cluster Assessment Process for more information.

• Financial arrangement with the TFO: The AESO requires TFO assistance in assessing connection alternatives and impacts on transmission facilities in Stage 1 and Stage 2, including SASRs for existing facilities and DERs. The AESO will ask the TFO to confirm that this arrangement is in place for the SASR.
• Preliminary Assessment Fee: The cost of the preliminary assessment that will be performed by the AESO in Stage 1 must be paid by the market participant upfront.

All Other Projects

For projects not required to follow the Cluster Assessment Process, market participants must complete and submit the existing SASR and required attachments as outlined in the SASR Guide. Note that this SASR and guide will be updated in the near future to remove sections applicable to cluster projects.

Other Considerations

Prior to submitting a SASR, consider the following initial steps:

• Determine the reason for requesting system access service (e.g., load growth, new generation, etc.) and the capacity to be served by the proposed project, and if the Cluster Assessment Process applies.
• Review the Transmission Capability Map to assist in making an informed decision related to generation capacity and location siting of the proposed project, where applicable.
• Contact the Distribution Facility Owner (DFO) in the region where the proposed project will be located. The DFO will help determine if the proposed project can be supported through a connection to the distribution system. If not, a SASR will need to be submitted. The DFO will help determine who will submit the SASR.

Each project type outlined below follows a designated process. As the project moves forward and new information becomes available, the project type may change at the discretion of the AESO. The different project types can be found below. Please note:

• A project involving a distributed energy resource (DER) may be any of the project types below. If your project involves a DER, please talk to the distribution facility owner (DFO) in your area. A list of DFOs and their contact information can be found in the large distribution-connected generators section on the Joining The Market page.

• New, altered, or terminated System Access Service (SAS) agreements may result in a recalculation of the construction contribution for new or existing facilities. See Sections 4 and 5 of the ISO Tariff for more information.

Connection Project

A connection project requires new or altered transmission facilities to expand or enhance the capability of the transmission system, which are built by the designated TFO upon receipt of regulatory approvals. The project may require a new or altered SAS agreement.

Market Participant Choice (MPC) Project

MPC is a variation of a connection project that meets the criteria outlined in the Transmission Regulation where the TFO and market participant agree that the market participant will build a portion (or all) of the transmission facility in lieu of the TFO, and where ownership of that portion is transferred to the TFO upon completion. See the Market Participant Choice page for more information.

Behind the Fence (BTF) Project

A BTF project involves a market participant altering their existing facilities connected to the transmission system which results in the market participant having to submit data to the AESO pursuant to Section 503.21 of the ISO rules, Reporting Facility Modelling Data. The project may arise from new, altered, or decommissioned market participant facilities. Additions or alterations of transmission facilities that expand or enhance the capability of the transmission system are not required, but the project may require a new or altered SAS agreement.

Contract Capacity Change Project

A contract capacity change project alters or terminates an existing SAS agreement. Alterations to transmission facilities or the market participant’s existing facilities connected to the transmission system are not required.

ID #2018-018T Provision of System Access Service and the Connection Process establishes the AESO’s practices for the efficient and effective processing and decision making about system access service requests. 

Note: This ID replaces the former Connection Queue Business Practices and the Stage 2 On Hold document.