Important Materials and Deadlines

Feb. 28, 2025 | 3 p.m. Deadline for Draft Blackstart Agreement Comments

Jan. 20, 2025 | RFP documents posted on Bonfire

Jan. 8, 2025 | Bonfire registration open and materials posted:

• Blackstart Bonfire Site Access and Participation Agreement
• Blackstart Bonfire Site Access Instructions
• Blackstart Bonfire Site – Frequently Asked Questions
  
  

Stakeholder Update – Feb. 5, 2025

We previously indicated that, to qualify for Blackstart Service in the NW region, assets must be located in the NW area of the AESO’s Planning Region Transmission Map. We have since completed a preliminary assessment and determined that the Fox Creek planning region may also be effective for Blackstart Service, subject to the engineering studies as outlined in the RFP. This update is reflected below and the Request for Proposals (RFP) for Blackstart Services has been updated to include the Fox Creek planning region.

Purpose

In the unlikely event of a system-wide blackout, Blackstart services are used to re-energize the transmission system and provide start-up power to generators who cannot self-start. Generators that provide Blackstart services in specific areas of the province must be able to restart their generation facility with no outside source of power.

To achieve the AESO’s mandate to oversee the safe, reliable and economic operations of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES), we have identified a need for Blackstart Services in Northwest Alberta and will be running a procurement process in 2025.

Any interested party that can provide Blackstart Services in the NW Planning Region by 2026, per the boundary identified in the map below, is invited to review the requirements and consider participating.

General information - Blackstart Services

Procurement Timeline

Minimum Requirements*

To provide Blackstart Service in the NW region, assets must:

• be located in the NW area of Alberta (see map below)
• have the ability to self-start the unit without the need for an electrical supply from the grid
• have the ability to close onto a de-energized bus
• be able to energize at least one cranking path, and have sufficient capability to start up at least one transmission-connected generator in the area; this is confirmed by performing engineering studies.

*To view a comprehensive overview of requirements for Blackstart Service, refer to AESO Blackstart for NW Planning Region Procurement Draft Requirements_v3.

Per the AESO NW Planning Region Transmission Map below, and subject to further engineering studies by the AESO, a blackstart resource is likely to be effective if it is located in one of the following planning areas: