Cluster Assessments

To see how Cluster Assessments fit into the overall AESO Connection Process, see the graphic.

Cluster Assessments are a new way for the AESO to assess projects. Instead of assessing projects individually, projects are batched (i.e. clustered) and assessed together simultaneously. This is a common industry practice across many other North American ISOs. 

The cluster assessment includes generation and energy storage projects that will inject at least 5 MW of new or additional flow into the Alberta interconnected electric system (AIES) at the facility’s connection to the AIES (i.e., the transmission or distribution system, as applicable).  

A graphical overview of the Cluster Assessment process is being developed and will be posted here when it is available.

Stage 2 Dates

The following key dates apply in Stage 2:

For a list of projects in Cluster 1, please refer to the Connection Project List on the Connection Project Reporting page.

To see congestion information for Cluster 1, please refer to the congestion estimate heat maps on the Cluster Assessment Reporting page.

Intake Window

SASR applications for Cluster 2 with energization dates up to October 18, 2029 can now be submitted. The intake window will close at 11:59pm MDT on October 18, 2024. 

For an overview of the timeline for Cluster 2, see the following graphic.

See the Fee Guideline for more information about fees and their associated deadlines.

• SASR for Cluster Projects
• SASR for Cluster Projects Guide
• Stage 0-1-2 PDUP Supplement
• Stage 0 PDUP Checklist
• Project Change Proposal Guidelines
• AESO Cost Estimate Descriptions

Required deliverables:

• SASR
• Preliminary Assessment Fee
• Financial Arrangement between Applicant and TFO

Roles and Responsibilities:

Applicant

• Submits SASR
• Submits Preliminary Assessment Fee payment
• Enters into a financial arrangement with the TFO

AESO

• Reviews SASR
• Assigns project name, number and AESO Project Manager
• Issues Preliminary Assessment fee invoice
• After completing all Stage 0 required deliverables by the appropriate deadlines, the AESO issues an email acknowledging the project has advanced to Stage 1

Required Deliverables:

• Project Plan
• Preliminary Assessment Study Scope 
• Preliminary Assessment Package which includes: 
  • Preliminary Assessment Report
  • Class 5 Cost Estimate
• Detailed Assessment Fee

Roles and Responsibilities:

Market Participant

• Reviews Project Plan and Study Scope 
• Submits Detailed Assessment Fee payment 

TFO

• Reviews Project Plan and Study Scope 

AESO 

• Initiates project kick-off meeting 
• Completes Project Plan
• Completes Preliminary Assessment Study Scope  
• Issues Preliminary Assessment Package 
• Issues Detailed Assessment Fee invoice 
• After completing all Stage 1 required deliverables by the appropriate deadlines, the AESO issues an email acknowledging the project has advanced to Stage 2 

Additional Information: 

• Upon review of the Preliminary Assessment Package, the market participant may wish to submit a Project Change Proposal. See the Project Change Proposal Guidelines for more information.  

Required deliverables:

• Detailed Assessment Package which includes:
  • Detailed Assessment Report
  • Project Connection Assessment
  • Facility Scope
  • Class 5 Cost Estimate
• Congestion Assessment
• Conceptual System Plan
• GUOC Evidence or Payment
• Stage 3 & 4 Security
• Updated dynamic model (if required)

Roles and Responsibilities:

GFO

• Submits GUOC evidence or payment
• Provides Stage 3 & 4 security to the TFO
• Submits updated dynamic model (if required)

TFO

• Provides input into Facility Scope

AESO

• Issues Detailed Assessment Package
• Completes Congestion Assessment and Conceptual System Plan
• After completing all Stage 2 required deliverables by the appropriate deadlines, the AESO issues an email acknowledging the project has advanced to Stage 3

Additional Information:

• Upon review of the Detailed Assessment Package, the market participant may wish to submit a Project Change Proposal. See the Project Change Proposal Guidelines for more information.