Pre-Engagement - Phase II: Large Load Integration

Important Dates and Materials

Purpose

The AESO rolled out Phase I of the Large Load Integration Program on June 4, 2025. Phase I included a 1,200 MW interim large load connection limit and a process for allocating that load among qualified project developers.

Phase II of the Large Load Integration Program will explore the changes necessary to create the long-term framework for large loads (including data centres) across the AESO’s mandate, including connections, planning, operations, markets, tariff and reliability.

The design of Phase II engagement is still in development and requires careful planning and coordination. To help shape its scope and direction, we are seeking stakeholder input on:

  • key questions and related topics to address; and
  • structure and timing, considering the interdependencies with other engagements.

See pages 3 and 4 of the latest Data Centre Update for the relevant information to complete the survey below.

Important Dates and Materials

Purpose

The AESO rolled out Phase I of the Large Load Integration Program on June 4, 2025. Phase I included a 1,200 MW interim large load connection limit and a process for allocating that load among qualified project developers.

Phase II of the Large Load Integration Program will explore the changes necessary to create the long-term framework for large loads (including data centres) across the AESO’s mandate, including connections, planning, operations, markets, tariff and reliability.

The design of Phase II engagement is still in development and requires careful planning and coordination. To help shape its scope and direction, we are seeking stakeholder input on:

  • key questions and related topics to address; and
  • structure and timing, considering the interdependencies with other engagements.

See pages 3 and 4 of the latest Data Centre Update for the relevant information to complete the survey below.

  • Phase II Pre-Engagement Survey | Sept. 26 - Oct.15, 2025

    We value stakeholder input and invite you to provide feedback on the design of our engagement for Phase II of Large Load Integration. Respond to this survey by October 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. MT. Please be as specific as possible with your responses. Thank you for your input.

    Instructions

    1. This feedback form is open to all industry stakeholders.
    2. Please respond to the questions as indicated.
    3. Only one completed feedback form will be accepted per organization.
    4. To submit your responses:
    • You will need to be registered and signed in on the AESO Engage platform; and
    • Click on the "Submit Stakeholder Feedback" box below to respond to the survey.


    All responses are due by October 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. MT. and will be shared on AESO Engage in their original format. If you have any questions about the survey, email stakeholderrelations@aeso.ca.

    Questions

    1. Do you agree with the AESO’s stated objectives for Phase II (enable as much load as possible within reliability guardrails, develop clear and efficient pathways to connection, explore opportunities for innovative grid partnerships)?
    2. Should there be different or additional objectives for Phase II?
    3. Do you agree with the key questions and related topics for Phase II laid out in the latest Data Centre Update?
    4. Rank the following topics from the latest Data Centre Update in order of priority. (1=top)
    5. Explain why you ranked the topics in that order.
    6. Are there other questions, topics or issues that should be considered?
    7. What interdependencies with other AESO or policy initiatives could challenge Phase II?
    8. Rank the following engagement formats according to which will provide the most efficient and meaningful participation for this engagement. (1=best)
    9. Are there any other comments you would like to share in advance of the Phase II engagement?
    Submit Feedback
Page last updated: 02 Oct 2025, 02:57 PM