The AESO is developing an Optimal Transmission Planning (OTP) framework, including methods and processes that will align 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 has posted a preliminary OTP framework recommendation to Stakeholders. The AESO plans to post the OTP framework by the end of 2025. The OTP framework will be used to develop an 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:
On November 12, 2025, stakeholder feedback is due at 4:00 p.m. MDT.
On November 19, 2025, stakeholder feedback will be posted on AESO Engage.
January 2026, the AESO will publish the following materials for stakeholder review:
Letter of Notice
draft of the OTP ISO rule
drafts of new or revised definitions that accompany the OTP ISO rule, if any.
The AESO will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to identify initial areas of concern or confusion with the OTP ISO rule.
In Q1 of 2026, the AESO will host a Q&A session to discuss question board comments and inquiries.
The AESO will also provide stakeholders with an opportunity to provide in-depth and detailed written feedback on the OTP ISO rule.
The AESO will review stakeholder feedback and consider revisions to the OTP ISO rule. Additional engagement with stakeholders may be scheduled if the AESO requires additional information or clarity.
The AESO will provide blackline comparisons of any changes to the proposed OTP ISO rule as published.
Subject to Stakeholder comments, the AESO may apply to the Alberta Utilities Commission for approval of the proposed ISO rule.
The AESO is developing an Optimal Transmission Planning (OTP) framework, including methods and processes that will align 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 has posted a preliminary OTP framework recommendation to Stakeholders. The AESO plans to post the OTP framework by the end of 2025. The OTP framework will be used to develop an 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:
On November 12, 2025, stakeholder feedback is due at 4:00 p.m. MDT.
On November 19, 2025, stakeholder feedback will be posted on AESO Engage.
January 2026, the AESO will publish the following materials for stakeholder review:
Letter of Notice
draft of the OTP ISO rule
drafts of new or revised definitions that accompany the OTP ISO rule, if any.
The AESO will provide stakeholders with the opportunity to identify initial areas of concern or confusion with the OTP ISO rule.
In Q1 of 2026, the AESO will host a Q&A session to discuss question board comments and inquiries.
The AESO will also provide stakeholders with an opportunity to provide in-depth and detailed written feedback on the OTP ISO rule.
The AESO will review stakeholder feedback and consider revisions to the OTP ISO rule. Additional engagement with stakeholders may be scheduled if the AESO requires additional information or clarity.
The AESO will provide blackline comparisons of any changes to the proposed OTP ISO rule as published.
Subject to Stakeholder comments, the AESO may apply to the Alberta Utilities Commission for approval of the proposed ISO rule.
