ARS Compliance Monitoring

The Alberta Risk-Based Compliance Monitoring Program (ARCMP) defines the risk-based framework for the AESO’s compliance monitoring function for ARS and the processes the AESO utilizes to conduct monitoring activities proportionate to the risk posed by each market participant. The ARCMP is in effect as of June 1, 2024.

The Alberta Reliability Risk Priorities Report and Alberta Entity Risk Factors Criteria are outputs of the ARCMP system level risk and the entity risk profile processes. The AESO will update these documents in accordance with the processes and timelines documented in the ARCMP.

Registration is one particular monitoring method within our compliance monitoring program. If you own or operate transmission, generation, or distribution assets that affect the reliability of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System, you can find the appropriate registration forms below.

Download registration forms, guides and related information here:

• 2025 ARS Registry [Posted: June 16, 2025]
• ARS Functional Model and Criteria for Registration [Posted: April 14, 2016]
• Registration guide [Posted: April 6, 2021]
• Designation of documentation provider guide [Posted: May 2, 2013]
• Registration form [Posted: Dec. 15, 2020]
• Designation of documentation provider form [Posted: Dec. 17, 2020]

The Compliance Oversight Plan (COP) process describes how we develop, issue, and review an entity’s Compliance Oversight Plan (COP) to prioritize monitoring of entities that pose the highest reliability and security risk to the interconnected electric system (IES).

• Compliance Oversight Plan Process [Posted: January 29, 2026]

Self-certification is one particular monitoring method within our compliance monitoring program. 

• 2026 Self-Certification Schedule [Posted: February 3, 2026]
• ARCMP - Self-Certification Process [Posted: March 18, 2026]

ARS audits are a risk-based process conducted by the AESO in coordination and collaboration with the entity. The primary objective of the audit is for the AESO to assess and measure the entity’s evidence to gain reasonable assurance of compliance with applicable ARS.

The audit is also an opportunity for the AESO and the entity to develop and maintain effective relationships and demonstrate cooperation and commitment that directly supports the reliability and security of the interconnected electric system, confirms areas of strength, identifies best practices, and identifies concerns and/or opportunities for enhancements that will lead to continuous improvement of entity internal compliance programs and ARS compliance outcomes in Alberta.

The AESO will remove and archive outdated information and continue to post information on this page as it continues to implement the ARCMP and ARCMP Audit Process.

Download audit related documents here:

• 2026 Audit Schedule [Posted: February 3, 2026]
• ARCMP Audit Process [Posted: Jan. 29, 2025]

When a reliability standard is approved, we post a reliability standard audit worksheet (RSAW) to our website. These are used to document and assess compliance with a particular ARS. When downloading a RSAW, be sure to choose the appropriate one.

BAL - Resource and Demand Balancing Standards

CIP - Critical Infrastructure Protection Standards

COM - Communications Standards

EOP - Emergency Preparedness and Operations Standards

FAC - Facilities Design, Connections and Maintenance Standards

INT - Interchange Scheduling and Coordination Standards

IRO - Interconnection Reliability Operations and Coordination Standards

MOD - Modeling, Data, and Analysis Standards

PER - Operations Personnel Performance, Training, and Qualifications Standards

PRC - Protection and Control Standards

TPL - Transmission Planning Standards

VAR - Voltage and Reactive Standards

• Portal Update Training - COP Launch [Posted: July 19, 2024]
• Portal Training Session – Self-Certification [Posted: Dec. 14, 2021]
• ARS Compliance Portal Guide [Updated: April 30, 2025]
• Portal Update Training (Q1 2024) [Posted: Feb. 14, 2024]