Phase 2A: Large Load Integration | BYOG Process

Important Dates & Materials

March 25 | Stakeholder Update (below) and materials posted:

Feb. 17 | Stakeholder update (below) and materials posted:

March 25 | Stakeholder Update

Following an update and planning session on Feb 9, the AESO held a “sprint week” with the working group Feb 18-20 (discussion only, no material provided). Meetings were held to review and discuss design and implementation questions related to process rollout needs, tethering agreements, project readiness requirements, study paths, and other topics. An additional meeting was held on March 3 for detailed discussions on project readiness requirements. The AESO will next provide the working group with a draft end-to-end process that incorporates the feedback from the meetings, and additional meetings will be held in April to further refine.

We will post another update and next steps in April, with broader industry engagement and rollout of the process occurring in the second half of Q2.


Feb. 17 | Stakeholder Update

We held a kick-off session for the Phase 2A Large Load Working Group on Nov. 28. At their request, we also hosted a Q&A session with the AESO Chief Engineer on Dec. 10 to ensure common understanding of the methodology, inputs and assumptions underpinning the Phase I Interim Interconnection Limit (refer to slides 21-30 of the Phase I Large Load Integration Information Session presentation).

Between Dec. 4 and 17, we hosted one-on-one meetings with each LLWG-2A member to gather detailed input on connection process updates to accommodate large loads that (i) self-supply their own power on-site; (ii) enable net new generation on the transmission system; or (iii) require MW allocations. We provided a straw dog model outlining a sample connection process to support additional discussions. A 'What We Heard' summary has been prepared and provided to reflect common themes from the LLWG-2A individual meetings. Several design and implementation questions emerged, prompting an additional round of group meetings this month.

We'll provide another update and next steps in March.

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 is exploring 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.

We continue to evolve the design of Phase II engagement, which requires careful planning and coordination. To help shape its scope and direction, we sought stakeholder input on:

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

Important Dates & Materials

March 25 | Stakeholder Update (below) and materials posted:

Feb. 17 | Stakeholder update (below) and materials posted:

March 25 | Stakeholder Update

Following an update and planning session on Feb 9, the AESO held a “sprint week” with the working group Feb 18-20 (discussion only, no material provided). Meetings were held to review and discuss design and implementation questions related to process rollout needs, tethering agreements, project readiness requirements, study paths, and other topics. An additional meeting was held on March 3 for detailed discussions on project readiness requirements. The AESO will next provide the working group with a draft end-to-end process that incorporates the feedback from the meetings, and additional meetings will be held in April to further refine.

We will post another update and next steps in April, with broader industry engagement and rollout of the process occurring in the second half of Q2.


Feb. 17 | Stakeholder Update

We held a kick-off session for the Phase 2A Large Load Working Group on Nov. 28. At their request, we also hosted a Q&A session with the AESO Chief Engineer on Dec. 10 to ensure common understanding of the methodology, inputs and assumptions underpinning the Phase I Interim Interconnection Limit (refer to slides 21-30 of the Phase I Large Load Integration Information Session presentation).

Between Dec. 4 and 17, we hosted one-on-one meetings with each LLWG-2A member to gather detailed input on connection process updates to accommodate large loads that (i) self-supply their own power on-site; (ii) enable net new generation on the transmission system; or (iii) require MW allocations. We provided a straw dog model outlining a sample connection process to support additional discussions. A 'What We Heard' summary has been prepared and provided to reflect common themes from the LLWG-2A individual meetings. Several design and implementation questions emerged, prompting an additional round of group meetings this month.

We'll provide another update and next steps in March.

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 is exploring 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.

We continue to evolve the design of Phase II engagement, which requires careful planning and coordination. To help shape its scope and direction, we sought stakeholder input on:

  • key questions and related topics to address; and
  • structure and timing, considering the interdependencies with other engagements.
  • CLOSED: This survey has concluded.

    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?
Page last updated: 24 Mar 2026, 10:18 PM