To consult with industry on the AESO’s areas of focus and proposed budget and forecasts for the upcoming year as per the Transmission Regulation. The 2026 BDP will be used to establish the AESO’s business plan and budget for 2026 as well as the forecast for 2027 and 2028.
We thank stakeholders for sharing their valuable perspectives in the 2025 BDP and for continuing to participate as we shape the consultation process to fit the need and current environment and to elevate the value proposition. We are grateful for stakeholders' alignment and support in relation to the strategic areas of focus as identified by the AESO.
Purpose
To consult with industry on the AESO’s areas of focus and proposed budget and forecasts for the upcoming year as per the Transmission Regulation. The 2026 BDP will be used to establish the AESO’s business plan and budget for 2026 as well as the forecast for 2027 and 2028.
We thank stakeholders for sharing their valuable perspectives in the 2025 BDP and for continuing to participate as we shape the consultation process to fit the need and current environment and to elevate the value proposition. We are grateful for stakeholders' alignment and support in relation to the strategic areas of focus as identified by the AESO.
The purpose of the first set of consultations was to engage senior executive stakeholders in one-on-one discussions with a subset of AESO Board and Executive members to share their insights on what they believe the AESO should be focusing on in the year to come. These discussions took take place in advance of the budget development cycle and have a more strategic focus. They are foundational to the AESO as we consider stakeholders’ insights and expertise to determine the focus areas and associated priorities for the new three-year budget forecast cycle.
The AESO will provide a high level summary of these discussions in the coming weeks.
Participating Stakeholders
Alberta Direct Consumers Association (ADC)
Alberta Municipalities
AltaLink Management Ltd.
ATCO
BluEArth Renewables
Capital Power
EPCOR
ENMAX
FortisAlberta
Industrial Power Consumers Association of Alberta (IPCAA)
Independent Power Producers Society of Alberta (IPPSA)
Kineticor Energy
TransAlta Corporation
Page last updated: 27 Jun 2025, 12:05 PM
Level of Engagement
Consult: Gather input and feedback from stakeholders
2026 Budget Development Process is currently at this stage
Engage senior executives in 1:1 discussions with the Board and Executive members to share their insights on what the AESO should be focusing on in the new three-year budget forecast. A summary of themes heard will be shared with stakeholders following these meetings.
Analysis & Draft Budget Preparation | June - October 2025
this is an upcoming stage for 2026 Budget Development Process
Review and consider insights as the AESO develops focus areas and associated priorities and prepares draft Own Costs budget and Transmission Operating forecasts for 2026.
Budget Presentation & Open Questions | October 2025
this is an upcoming stage for 2026 Budget Development Process
Provide stakeholders with presentation they can review at their own discretion and a forum for them to submit their questions to the AESO in advance of the stakeholder Q&A session.
Stakeholder Q&A Session | October 2025
this is an upcoming stage for 2026 Budget Development Process
The AESO will answer questions received through its open Question Board, as well as any new questions stakeholders may have.
Analysis & Draft Business Plan & Budget Proposal | October - November 2025
this is an upcoming stage for 2026 Budget Development Process
Review and consider stakeholder questions as the AESO prepares its 2026 Business Plan & Budget Proposal. An updated FAQ will be posted.
Board Decision | December 2025 - January 2026
this is an upcoming stage for 2026 Budget Development Process
Board reviews 2026 Business Plan & Budget Proposal and takes into consideration the engagement activities to make its decision.
Publishing this decision concludes the engagement process.