Big Sky Solar Project Connection (2421)

Renewable Energy Systems Canada Inc. (RESC) has applied to the AESO for transmission system access to connect its proposed Big Sky Solar Project (Facility) in the Empress area. RESC’s request can be met by the following solution:

• Add one 144 kilovolt (kV) transmission line to connect the Facility to the existing 144 kV transmission line 7L760 in a T-tap configuration.
• Add or modify associated equipment as required for the above transmission developments.

Abbreviated Needs Approval Process: Approval

The AESO approved the Big Sky Solar Project Connection under Section 501.3 of the ISO rules, Abbreviated Needs Approval Process

• Big Sky Solar Project Connection ANAP Approval Letter [Posted: Dec. 6, 2022]

Abbreviated Needs Approval Process: Notice of Consideration

The AESO intends to consider the need for the Big Sky Solar Project Connection (Project) for approval under Section 501.3 of the ISO rules, Abbreviated Needs Approval Process, (ANAP Rule) on or after December 2, 2022. If stakeholders have any questions or concerns, please contact the AESO before this date.

The AESO has determined that the Project is eligible for consideration under the ANAP Rule because the following eligibility criteria have been met:

• Total project cost is estimated to be approximately $4.6M with approximately $4.0M classified as participant-related and $0.6M classified as system-related;
• the AESO has completed a participant involvement program (PIP) in accordance with the guidelines in Alberta Utilities Commission Rule 007;
• the Project is not anticipated to result in significant environmental effects; and
• no concerns or objections with the need for the Project have been raised. Prior to making its approval decision, the AESO will address additional stakeholder concerns that arise, if any.

Supporting information about this Project is available in the following documents:

• Engineering Connection Assessment
• Cost Estimates
• AESO PIP Summary

Market Participant Notification

• Market Participant Notification for the Big Sky Solar Project Connection in the Empress area [Posted: Oct. 17, 2022]

Need Overview

• Need for the Big Sky Solar Project Connection in the Empress area [Posted: April 12, 2022]