Connection Requirements for Transmission-Connected Data Centres

Key Dates & Materials

September 19 | Stakeholder feedback due

August 25 – September 19 | One-on-one Stakeholder Sessions

August 22 – Materials posted

Purpose

To develop the technical interconnection requirements for transmission-connected data centres (“TCDCs”) in Alberta.

Background

Data centres are a new class of non-conforming loads with unique and complex behavior. Most rely heavily on power electronics that are sensitive to voltage and frequency fluctuations. Their operations often involve steep ramp rates and load intermittency, which can challenge traditional grid operations.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) established the Large Loads Task Force (LLTF) in October 2024 to evaluate impacts of these emerging issues on grid reliability. Recognizing the urgency for clarity, the AESO is taking proactive steps ahead of formal NERC standards to introduce technical interconnection requirements. These requirements are consistent with the NERC LLTF Characteristics and Risks of Emerging Large Loads white paper, with consideration for the unique characteristics of the Alberta grid.

These requirements will set clear expectations for all TCDCs, supporting the efficient advancement of projects while safeguarding system reliability.

Scope

Technical and operational connection requirements for data centres of any size connecting to the transmission system

The below topics are out of scope and will be addressed in other engagements:

  • Distribution-connected data centres
  • Non-data centre loads
  • Future load allocations and related process
  • Transmission rates
  • Transmission planning
  • Market Participation

Key Dates & Materials

September 19 | Stakeholder feedback due

August 25 – September 19 | One-on-one Stakeholder Sessions

August 22 – Materials posted

Purpose

To develop the technical interconnection requirements for transmission-connected data centres (“TCDCs”) in Alberta.

Background

Data centres are a new class of non-conforming loads with unique and complex behavior. Most rely heavily on power electronics that are sensitive to voltage and frequency fluctuations. Their operations often involve steep ramp rates and load intermittency, which can challenge traditional grid operations.

The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) established the Large Loads Task Force (LLTF) in October 2024 to evaluate impacts of these emerging issues on grid reliability. Recognizing the urgency for clarity, the AESO is taking proactive steps ahead of formal NERC standards to introduce technical interconnection requirements. These requirements are consistent with the NERC LLTF Characteristics and Risks of Emerging Large Loads white paper, with consideration for the unique characteristics of the Alberta grid.

These requirements will set clear expectations for all TCDCs, supporting the efficient advancement of projects while safeguarding system reliability.

Scope

Technical and operational connection requirements for data centres of any size connecting to the transmission system

The below topics are out of scope and will be addressed in other engagements:

  • Distribution-connected data centres
  • Non-data centre loads
  • Future load allocations and related process
  • Transmission rates
  • Transmission planning
  • Market Participation

  • One-on-one Stakeholder Meetings | August 25 - September 19, 2025

    Purpose

    The AESO will provide sessions to answer technical questions about the AESO Connection Requirements for Transmission-Connected Data Centres (TCDC). Stakeholders must provide their detailed questions to the AESO in advance of the sessions. Please note that the AESO has limited bandwidth for these sessions, and priority will be given to stakeholders with projects advancing in the Connection Process. Stakeholders attending sessions should still use the written feedback portion of the engagement to provide their inputs.

    Who should request a one-on-one session?

    A session may be requested by anyone who:

    • Is looking to connect a data centre to the Alberta transmission grid
    • Has already requested system access service for a data centre
    • Is a data centre owner, operator, or end user interested in locating in Alberta

    Session parameters:

    • Session participants must have fully reviewed the AESO Connection Requirements for TCDC and provided comments and questions prior to the session to enable a meaningful discussion
    • Session should include technical people familiar with the engineering practices described in the TCDC to enable a fulsome discussion
    • It is beneficial to have representatives of the end-use-customer of the TCDC to provide any comments that they may have.


    Email LargeLoadIntegration@aeso.ca to request an appointment.

Page last updated: 22 Aug 2025, 12:34 PM