Important Dates & Materials

Sept. 25 | OTP ISO Rule and ID feedback due

Sept. 2 | Materials posted

• Letter of Notice
• Proposed ISO rule Section 401.1, Optimal Transmission Planning
• Proposed Information Document Optimal Transmission Planning Methodology
• Appendix 4 – Simplified OTP Cost Benefit Example.xlsx
• Stakeholder Feedback - Proposed OTP Rule and ID

Purpose

The AESO has developed an Optimal Transmission Planning (OTP) framework, including methods and processes that aligns our planning with recent Government of Alberta transmission policy changes aimed at improving affordability.

The policy changes require a shift from the traditional congestion-free planning approach to a modern-benefit driven approach. The congestion-free requirement has been replaced with a requirement to build new generation driven and multi-value transmission developments only when the overall benefits outweigh the associated costs.

The purpose of the OTP framework is to:

• Set out how the AESO will analyze whether the overall benefits of a transmission development outweigh its overall costs
• Explain how the AESO will develop its Long-Term Transmission Plan (LTP) based on this analysis

The AESO posted an OTP framework paper for Stakeholders in January, 2026. The OTP framework was used to develop a draft ISO rule and supporting information document (ID) to govern its OTP practice. The supporting ID will provide transparency about the implementation of the OTP rule.

Engagement Plan and Process

The AESO recognizes that stakeholders require information and context in order to provide meaningful feedback on the OTP ISO rule. To support stakeholders, we plan to do the following:

• In September 2026, the AESO published the following materials for stakeholder review:
  • Letter of Notice
  • proposed OTP ISO rule
  • proposed OTP ID
• The AESO will:
  • provide stakeholders with the opportunity to identify initial areas of concern or confusion with the OTP ISO rule.
  • provide stakeholders with an opportunity to provide in-depth and detailed written feedback on the OTP ISO rule.
  • review stakeholder feedback and consider revisions to the OTP ISO rule.
  • provide responses to feedback and blackline comparisons of any changes to the proposed OTP ISO rule as published.
• Subject to Stakeholder comments, the AESO will apply to the Alberta Utilities Commission for approval of the proposed ISO rule.

Updated September 2, 2026