View all

Connection Process

Improvements to the AESO Connection Process are underway. See the Cluster Assessments page for more information. For an overview of how Cluster Assessments will fit into the AESO Connection Process, see the graphic here.

*The sub-process called Connection Process will be renamed to Transmission Process. The website is being updated to reflect this change.

This page is intended to provide an overview of the key deliverables and roles and responsibilities for a typical project as it follows the Connection Process. The key deliverables and roles and responsibilities described below may be modified based on the scope and complexity of the project.

For a high-level summary of the Connection Process, see the Quick Reference Guide:

Connection Process Quick Reference Guide [Updated: June 1, 2021]

Acronym Reference


AUC	Alberta Utilities Commission
CCD	Construction Contribution Decision
CEII	Critical Energy Infrastructure Information
DFO	Distribution Facility Owner
DTS	Demand Transmission Service
ETS	Energy Trading System
GFO	Generation Facility Owner
GUOC	Generating Unit Owner’s Contribution
ISD	In-Service Date
MC	Maximum Capability
MP	Market Participant
NID	Needs Identification Document
P&L	Permit & License
PDUP	Project Data Update Package
SAS	System Access Service
SASR	System Access Service Request
SLD	Single Line Diagram
STS	Supply Transmission Service
TFO	Transmission Facility Owner

Stage 0: Application

Target Timeline: 2 weeks

Stage 0 is the initiation stage of the Connection, Behind the Fence, and Contract Processes. In this stage, the market participant identifies a request for a new project by submitting a SASR to the AESO. The SASR is reviewed by the AESO for completeness and the project is initiated. The SASR is reviewed for completeness and the AESO may reach out to the market participant to clarify project information or to discuss project complexity. Upon completion of the review, the project is initiated.

Required Deliverables
- SASR
Roles and Responsibilities
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Submits SASR
AESO
- Reviews SASR
- Assigns project name, number and AESO Project Manager
- After completing all Gate 0 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 0 completion to the market participant.
Additional Information
- For a list of initial steps to consider prior to submitting a SASR to the AESO, see the “Initiating a project” section on the Connecting to the grid page
- Read the SASR Guide for guidance while completing the SASR
- Review ID #2018-018T for further information about the AESO Connection Process
- A Distribution Deficiency Report (DDR) is required when a DFO is submitting a SASR. The DFO is encouraged to use the DDR Guideline when preparing their DDR.
- Decision Making Framework DFO Connection Projects
- Read the Principles for External Engagement
- Sign up for the AESO Stakeholder Newsletter for AESO updates in the footer of this webpage

Stage 1: Scope

Target Timeline: 8 weeks

Stage 1 is the scoping stage of the project. This stage includes a project kick-off meeting which begins discussions regarding the Project Plan and Study Scope. The responsibilities and involvement of the AESO, TFO, market participant, and study consultant are determined for the project.

Required Deliverables
- Project Plan
- Study Scope
- Stage 1 PDUP
Roles and Responsibilities
AESO
- Completes Study Scope
- Reviews Project Plan
- Reviews PDUP
- After completing all Gate 1 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 1 completion to the market participant
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Submits Stage 1 PDUP
- Reviews Project Plan and Study Scope
TFO
- Reviews Project Plan and Study Scope
INTEGRATED PM
- Initiates project kick-off meeting
- Completes Project Plan
- Coordinates meetings and takes meeting minutes
- Coordinates deliverables between the AESO, market participant, and TFO
Additional Information
- The market participant is responsible for performing the necessary studies for the project and is responsible for all project costs
- The study consultant and TFO should attend the kick-off meeting
- Refer to the Project Data Update Package – Instruction Manual (PDUP-IM) for information about the content of the PDUP
- Contact customer.connections@aeso.ca if you would like an example of a Study Scope

Stage 2: Assessment

Target Timeline: 14 weeks

In Stage 2, engineering studies are completed to assess the connection alternatives. The study results are reviewed along with cost estimates and a facility design, and the AESO selects the preferred connection alternative.

Required Deliverables
- Engineering Study Results (ESR)
- OOM or NID-level Cost Estimates
- Environment and Land Use Effects Evaluation, if required
- Facility Design and SLDs
- Proposal to Proceed
- Stage 2 PDUP
- Stage 2 CCD
- Stage 3 and 4 security to the TFO
Roles and Responsibilities
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Activates account in the Customer Connections SharePoint Online (SPO) Site and retrieves CEII from the site
- Submits Engineering Study Results, Cost Estimate(s), Facility Design, and Environment and Land Use Effects Evaluation
- Submits Stage 2 PDUP
- Provides Stage 3 and 4 security to the TFO
AESO
- Uploads CEII to the Customer Connections SPO Site
- Reviews Engineering Study Results, Cost Estimate(s), Facility Design, and Environment and Land Use Effects Evaluation
- Reviews PDUP
- Issues Stage 2 CCD
- Issues Proposal to Proceed
- After completing all Gate 2 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 2 completion to the market participant
INTEGRATED PM
- Coordinates meetings and takes meeting minutes
- Coordinates deliverables between the AESO, market participant, and TFO
Additional Information
- See the Connection Study Requirements for more information about how to perform the engineering studies
- Ensure the study consultant communicates with the AESO's Study Engineer prior to starting any work and at any time when issues are identified during the study
- Provide Facility Design, SLDs, and cost estimate(s) as early as possible
- See the Single Line Diagram (SLD) Guideline for information about the content of the SLDs.
- Refer to the Project Data Update Package – Instruction Manual (PDUP-IM) for information about the content of the PDUP
- See Section 504.5 of the ISO rules, Service Proposals and Cost Estimating and the related ID #2015-002R for more information about cost estimates
- Set up early meetings with the TFO to understand Stage 3 and 4 security agreements and, for a Market Participant Choice (MPC) project, the Asset Transfer Agreement.
- Market participants have the option to put a project on hold near the end of Stage 2. Please click here to view ID #2018-018T which contains more information.

Stage 3: Regulatory Preparation

Target Timeline: 32 weeks

In Stage 3, the AESO determines the filing strategy for the applications that will be filed with the AUC. The AESO directs the TFO to complete the Facility Application (FA). The market participant and the AESO sign the SAS Agreement.

Required Deliverables
- Functional Specification
- Direction Letters
- Engineering Connection Assessment: Study Scope
- Engineering Connection Assessment: Study Results
- Engineering Connection Assessment
- Service Proposal and Cost Estimate
- Participant Involvement Program (PIP) Report
- Environment Effects Screening Form
- Stage 3 PDUP
- Stage 3 CCD
- Financial Security for SAS Agreement under Rate DTS
- SAS Agreement
- GUOC Notice (generators only)
- Evidence of ability to pay GUOC (generators only)
- Power Plant Application filed with the AUC (generators only)
- NID Application or ANAP Approval Letter
- Facility Application
Roles and Responsibilities
AESO
- Issues Functional Specification and Direction Letters
- Completes Study Scope for the Engineering Connection Assessment
- Uploads CEII to the Customer Connections SPO Site
- Reviews Study Results for the Engineering Connection Assessment
- Completes Engineering Connection Assessment
- Reviews the Service Proposal, Cost Estimate, PIP Report, and Environmental Effects Screening Form
- Reviews PDUP
- Issues Stage 3 CCD
- Issues GUOC Notice
- Executes the SAS Agreement
- Prepares NID Application or considers the project for approval under the ANAP and, if approved, issues the ANAP Approval Letter
- After completing all Gate 3 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 3 completion to the market participant
TFO
- Reviews Functional Specification
- Submits Service Proposal, Cost Estimate, PIP Report, and Environmental Effects Screening Form
- Submits Stage 3 PDUP
- Prepares Facility Application
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Reviews Functional Specification
- Retrieves CEII from the Customer Connections SPO Site
- Submits Study Results for the Engineering Connection Assessment
- Confirms the Power Plant Application has been filed with the AUC
- Provides Financial Security for the SAS Agreement under Rate DTS
- Executes the SAS Agreement
- Provides evidence of ability to pay GUOC
INTEGRATED PM
- Coordinates meetings and takes meeting minutes
- Coordinates deliverables between the AESO, market participant, and TFO
Additional Information
- Engineering Connection Assessment: Study Results account for current system conditions for NID filing
- Contact customer.connections@aeso.ca if you would like an example of an Engineering Connection Assessment
- A Project Schedule Alignment is completed and signed by all parties near the beginning of Stage 3 and after the Service Proposal is submitted
- See Section 504.5 of the ISO rules, Service Proposals and Cost Estimating and the related ID #2015-002R for more information
- Refer to the Project Data Update Package – Instruction Manual (PDUP-IM) for information about the content of the PDUP
- The Functional Specification will include a requirement to follow the Connection Requirements for Inverter-Based Resources (IBRs)
- The Power Plant Application can be filed at any time prior to Stage 3
- The market participant may be required to provide financial security to the AESO in this stage. See Section 103.3 of the ISO rules, Financial Security Requirements for additional information.
- To estimate the GUOC amount, refer to the GUOC Estimation Calculator
- For a Market Participant Choice (MPC) project, confirmation that the Asset Transfer Agreement has been signed off is a required deliverable in Stage 3
- A project may be eligible for the Abbreviated Needs Approval Process (ANAP), in which case there is no NID Application and the AESO may approve the need for the transmission facilities. See Section 501.3 of the ISO rules, Abbreviated Needs Approval Process for more information.

Stage 4: AUC Applications

Target Timeline: Not Applicable

In Stage 4, the AESO and the TFO file project applications with the AUC for review. If the applications are approved, the AUC issues a NID Approval and P&L for the project.

Required Deliverables
- NID Application Filing
- Facility Application Filing
- AUC Information Requests (IRs), if required
- AUC hearing, if required
- NID Approval
- P&L
- Power Plant Approval (generators only)
- GUOC payment (generators only)
Roles and Responsibilities
AESO
- Files NID Application with the AUC
- Responds to IRs and participates in hearing, if required
- After completing all Gate 4 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 4 completion to the market participant
TFO
- Files the Facility Application with the AUC
- Responds to IRs and participates in hearing, if required
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Submits GUOC payment
AUC
- Reviews NID Application and Facility Application and, if approved, provides NID Approval and P&L
- Reviews Power Plant Application and, if approved, provides Power Plant Approval
INTEGRATED PM
- Coordinates meetings and takes meeting minutes
- Coordinates deliverables between the AESO, market participant, and TFO
Additional Information
- Sign up for the AUC updates on their website to monitor your project
- To estimate the GUOC amount, refer to the GUOC Estimation Calculator
- Ensure project schedule is up to date prior to AUC approval

Stage 5: Construction

Target Timeline: Not applicable

In Stage 5, the construction of the transmission facilities and preparation for energization occurs.

Required Deliverables
- 100 Day Energization Package which includes the Stage 5 PDUP and Financial Security for SAS Agreements
- 30 Day Energization Package
- ETS setup (generators only)
Roles and Responsibilities
AESO
- Reviews items outlined in the Energization Package Requirements
- Reviews application and sets up the market participant and the asset in ETS
- After completing all Gate 5 requirements, the AESO issues a letter acknowledging Gate 5 completion to the market participant
TFO
- Completes construction of transmission facilities
- Submits required items in the 100 Day Energization Package
- Submits required items in the 30 Day Energization Package
MARKET PARTICIPANT
- Submits required items in the 100 Day Energization Package
- Submits required items in the 30 Day Energization Package
- Submits application to be set up in ETS
INTEGRATED PM
- Coordinates meetings and takes meeting minutes
- Coordinates deliverables between the AESO, market participant, and TFO
Additional Information
- The Energization Package Requirements provides a detailed list of deliverables and timelines required for energization of the project
- A consolidated Stage 5 PDUP must be submitted by either the TFO or the market participant. Refer to the Project Data Update Package – Instruction Manual (PDUP-IM) for information about the content of the PDUP.
- A Project Schedule Alignment is completed and signed by all parties near the beginning of Stage 5
- See the Joining the energy market page for more information about how to apply to be set up in ETS
- The market participant may be required to provide financial security to the AESO in this stage. See Section 103.3 of the ISO rules, Financial Security Requirements for additional information.

Stage 6: Close Out