Stakeholder Updates

May 14, 2025

We received feedback from ADC, AFREA, the CCA, CanREA, IPCAA, and Voltus regarding the proposed funding process for the REM Market Design and ISO rules engagement. All confirmed the need for funding from the AESO to support their continued participation. The submissions have been consolidated and published.

Highlights from the submissions include:

• A request to increase the funding cap per participant from $50,000 to $100,000, but the AESO considers $50,000 sufficient to ensure more participants can access funding.
• Requests for funding to address costs already incurred; however, the AESO does not find retroactive funding appropriate, as the REM technical design is ongoing and future engagement opportunities remain.
• A request for guaranteed funding, advance funding, and a review of the reasonableness of claimed costs, but the AESO does not view it as suitable to assess participation costs. Instead, a $50,000 cap, adherence to established Alberta Utilities Commission Rule 022: Rules on Costs in Utility Rate Proceedings, with a process for partial funding after the engagement on the REM Technical Design is complete, then again after the Rules consultation is complete, to address ongoing needs.

We have reviewed the feedback, appreciate the inputs provided, and encourage any interested market participants (or associations of market participants) to apply for funding. The funding process will proceed as initially proposed. The application form is now available.

The period for market participants or other associations to apply for funding is May 15 to May 26, 2025.