Cluster Assessment Process Implementation

Engagement Outcome

Since 2022, we talked to approximately 750 individuals, held eight stakeholder sessions and ran two surveys seeking stakeholder feedback to streamline the AESO Connection Process. This feedback was crucial to the design of the Cluster Assessment Process, which was implemented mid-2023. The first Cluster intake received 145 SASR applications, representing over 22 GW of supply.

We sincerely appreciate everyone's thoughtful involvement in the development of the AESO's Cluster Assessment Process. Visit the Cluster Assessment Process webpage for up-to-date information on current Clusters and key dates.

Background and Purpose

In 2022, the AESO worked with stakeholders to streamline the Connection Process to better manage the growing volume of generation projects within a progressively complex AIES system.  These factors have resulted in a significant increase in SASR project delivery timelines. The AESO’s streamlined Connection Process is intended to provide greater efficiency and schedule certainty, reduce red tape, minimize rework, and align project execution with available resource capacity.  Stakeholder perspectives continue to be essential to the AESO to support and enhance our decision-making process. Through careful consideration and evaluation of feedback, the AESO seeks to balance diverse stakeholder interests and our mandate to operate in the public interest in developing sound decisions.

As the consultation phase of the AESO’s Connection Process Streamlining was completed in 2022, we are continuing efforts to ensure market participants are informed throughout the implementation phase of the new Cluster Assessment Process.

Out-of-scope

The following topics are out-of-scope and will not be discussed as part of the Connection Process Streamlining information session:

  • Changes to the regulatory framework (e.g., TReg, TPL standards)
  • 2018 GTA Decision and Corresponding Compliance Filing Items
  • Existing System and Connection projects

Engagement Outcome

Since 2022, we talked to approximately 750 individuals, held eight stakeholder sessions and ran two surveys seeking stakeholder feedback to streamline the AESO Connection Process. This feedback was crucial to the design of the Cluster Assessment Process, which was implemented mid-2023. The first Cluster intake received 145 SASR applications, representing over 22 GW of supply.

We sincerely appreciate everyone's thoughtful involvement in the development of the AESO's Cluster Assessment Process. Visit the Cluster Assessment Process webpage for up-to-date information on current Clusters and key dates.

Background and Purpose

In 2022, the AESO worked with stakeholders to streamline the Connection Process to better manage the growing volume of generation projects within a progressively complex AIES system.  These factors have resulted in a significant increase in SASR project delivery timelines. The AESO’s streamlined Connection Process is intended to provide greater efficiency and schedule certainty, reduce red tape, minimize rework, and align project execution with available resource capacity.  Stakeholder perspectives continue to be essential to the AESO to support and enhance our decision-making process. Through careful consideration and evaluation of feedback, the AESO seeks to balance diverse stakeholder interests and our mandate to operate in the public interest in developing sound decisions.

As the consultation phase of the AESO’s Connection Process Streamlining was completed in 2022, we are continuing efforts to ensure market participants are informed throughout the implementation phase of the new Cluster Assessment Process.

Out-of-scope

The following topics are out-of-scope and will not be discussed as part of the Connection Process Streamlining information session:

  • Changes to the regulatory framework (e.g., TReg, TPL standards)
  • 2018 GTA Decision and Corresponding Compliance Filing Items
  • Existing System and Connection projects
Page last updated: 24 Mar 2025, 10:30 AM