March 25, 2026

The AESO has extended the Cluster 3 System Access Service Request (SASR) deadline to August 2026. The extension provides Market Participants with additional time to review and assess the updated requirements prior to submitting a SASR. Updated FFR+ requirements will be shared with stakeholders in April.

Market Sounding Results

Market sounding on the FFR+ Preliminary Requirements was completed in early March and we have posted a Market Sounding Key Themes document. The AESO thanks those stakeholders that participated and is reviewing the requirements based on the feedback received.

Feb. 4, 2026

We have posted the consolidated feedback received from stakeholders on January 19. We will also be publishing a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ document by the end of this week to respond to some of the items raised.

Draft Preliminary Requirements

The AESO is providing stakeholders with draft preliminary requirements that an asset must meet to participate in the AESO’s expected FFR+ procurement. These requirements are preliminary, being provided for information purposes only, and intended for discussion with stakeholders interested in participating. They are subject to change at the AESO’s discretion and use of or reliance on such requirements is at the market participant’s sole risk. We will provide updated preliminary requirements before the April 30, 2026, Cluster 3 System Access Service Request deadline.

FFR+ Preliminary Requirements

Market Sounding Meetings

To continue progressing the FFR+ design, we invite potential proponents to meet virtually one-on-one for market sounding over the next several weeks. The market sounding meetings will provide an opportunity to discuss and gather feedback on FFR+ draft preliminary requirements and project implementation timelines.

We will share key themes from the market sounding meetings with stakeholders on AESO Engage along with resulting updates.

Identification of Prospective FFR+ Service Providers

The AESO values stakeholder input and invites potential proponents with a new energy storage asset that may materially meet the draft preliminary requirements to request a meeting with the AESO at their earliest convenience by emailing ffrservices@aeso.ca with your name and organization. All market sounding requests must be made before February 13, 2026, and the AESO will use all feedback received in market sounding before February 25 to inform the updated requirements.

Dec. 17, 2025

We posted this FFR High-Level Design Update and are targeting the following timeline for next steps:

• Engage on FFR+ high-level eligibility requirements: Early Q1 2026
• File request for guidance with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC): Q1 2026
• FFR+ stakeholder session: Q2/Q3 2026 (subject to AUC guidance)
• Commence procurement for Market-Based FFR: Q2/Q3 2026
• Commence FFR+ RFP (subject to AUC guidance): Q4 2026

We value stakeholder input and invite written comments on the proposed design by January 19, 2026. This comment period is optional and the AESO will include all comments in their original format as part of its request for guidance with the AUC. Stakeholders can also participate in the AUC process.

Aug. 25, 2025

Based on the stakeholder feedback from the FFR+ Rationale Document published on June 18, the Stakeholder Session held on July 23, and subsequent follow-up discussions with stakeholders, the AESO is exploring additional concepts and associated product and procurement designs. The Addendum to FFR+ Rationale Document, posted today, presents these concepts and alternative designs. We are seeking stakeholder feedback on these, including whether they appropriately balance the four principles set out in the Electric Utilities Act (s. 17.1(2)) and whether they are in the public interest.

June 18, 2025

We will engage with stakeholders on the proposed FFR+ product and procurement design to satisfy the requirements of the Direction while maintaining the sanctity of Alberta’s energy-only market.

The AESO is seeking initial written feedback from industry on

• aspects of the high-level design where additional information may be required, or which should be an area of focus at the upcoming engagement session
• alternative design approaches that may better balance the objectives set out in Section 17.1(2) of the Energy and Utilities Statutes Amendment Act (Bill 52) while satisfying the requirements of the Direction

A hybrid stakeholder engagement session will be held on July 23, 2025 to:

• discuss the proposed product and procurement design branded as FFR+
• seek input on key elements
• share alternative design approaches from industry
• outline the AESO’s intent to include a process with the Alberta Utilities Commission to guide the procurement and product design

Please complete your registration by 4:00 p.m. MT on Friday, July 4.