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

  • Written Feedback | August 22 - September 19, 2025

    The AESO values stakeholder input and invites all interested parties to provide their feedback on Connection Requirements for Transmission-Connected Data Centres via the following stakeholder feedback form by September 19, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. MT. Please be as specific as possible with your responses. Thank you for your input.

    Purpose

    We have drafted the connection requirements for data centres in Alberta and are seeking stakeholder feedback to ensure there are clear expectations and that these standards support the efficient advancement of projects, while also safeguarding system reliability.  

    Instructions

    1. Please fill out the sections below as indicated
    2. Only one completed feedback form will be accepted per organization
    3. To upload your completed feedback form:
      • You will need to be registered and signed in on the AESO Engage platform
      • You will need to be on the Connection Requirements for Transmission-Connected Data Centres page (LINK), which can be found on the AESO website at www.aeso.ca(External link) and follow the path: AESO Engage (found on very top navigation bar) >Connection Requirements for Transmission-Connected Data Centres > Written Feedback
      • Click on the "Submit Stakeholder Feedback" box below to upload your completed feedback form
    4. All responses will be shared on AESO Engage in their original format
    5. Responses due by September 19, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. MT

    Questions

    1. Are the requirements clear enough and provide enough detail to be followed by the Facility Owner? If no, specify which requirements and why.
    2. Do you need further clarification on the requirements? If so, please specify which requirements could be clarified and how. 
    3. Can the requirements be implemented by the Facility Owner without delaying a project’s energization? If not, specify which requirements could delay a project and explain why. 
    4. Are there any requirements you believe could be challenging to comply with? Is so, please specify which requirements and explain why.
    5. Are there any requirements you believe are not necessary for the reliable operation of the grid when connecting TCDCs? If so, please specify which requirements and explain why. 
    6. Are there any additional requirements you think should be considered for the reliable connection of TCDCs? Please provide detail on which requirements and why.
    7. Are there any additional comments you would like to share?

    Requirements Markup

    Please download the TCDC requirements document, add your comments directly and upload the file with your submission.


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