Tariff Connection Obligations

Important Dates & Materials

April 10 | Tariff Connection Obligations Kick-off Session registration

March 18 | Stakeholder update and materials posted

March 18 | Stakeholder Update

We will be hosting a half-day hybrid kick-off session on Friday, April 10 for this workstream. Please review the Overview and Primer before the kick-off. You can express interest to participate in the Working Group below. The working group sessions are scheduled for May 6-8 and June 16-18 (separate registration details to follow).

Purpose

The AESO is reviewing the responsibilities of both market participants and the AESO when connecting to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES), including how costs are allocated at the time of connection. This engagement will also address:

  • How connection alternatives are selected and their impact on costs;
  • Substation fraction review;
  • Billing and contracting for multiple connection points;
  • Post-energization obligations, including potential stranded costs; and
  • Financial obligations of the market participant, transmission facility owners (TFOs) and ISO for connection projects.

These tariff provisions are primarily found in Section 4 of the ISO tariff, Classification and Allocation of Connection Project Costs, Section 5, Changes to System Access Service, and Section 6, Financial Obligations for Connection Projects, of the ISO tariff.

Scope

  • Summarize the history of connection costs allocation and ISO investment policy in Alberta
  • Explain the current ISO tariff and policy, including technical details
  • Identify what is working and not working from AESO perspective
  • Gather stakeholder feedback on what is working and not working
  • Develop objectives for a revised policy

Out of Scope

These topics will be addressed in other workstreams:

  • Ancillary Services
  • Other priority tariff work; and
  • Optimized Transmission Planning (OTP)

Note: OTP will influence understanding of drivers for new or upgraded transmission facilities and related price signals to stakeholders.

Engagement Schedule (Updated March 18, 2026)


Important Dates & Materials

April 10 | Tariff Connection Obligations Kick-off Session registration

March 18 | Stakeholder update and materials posted

March 18 | Stakeholder Update

We will be hosting a half-day hybrid kick-off session on Friday, April 10 for this workstream. Please review the Overview and Primer before the kick-off. You can express interest to participate in the Working Group below. The working group sessions are scheduled for May 6-8 and June 16-18 (separate registration details to follow).

Purpose

The AESO is reviewing the responsibilities of both market participants and the AESO when connecting to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES), including how costs are allocated at the time of connection. This engagement will also address:

  • How connection alternatives are selected and their impact on costs;
  • Substation fraction review;
  • Billing and contracting for multiple connection points;
  • Post-energization obligations, including potential stranded costs; and
  • Financial obligations of the market participant, transmission facility owners (TFOs) and ISO for connection projects.

These tariff provisions are primarily found in Section 4 of the ISO tariff, Classification and Allocation of Connection Project Costs, Section 5, Changes to System Access Service, and Section 6, Financial Obligations for Connection Projects, of the ISO tariff.

Scope

  • Summarize the history of connection costs allocation and ISO investment policy in Alberta
  • Explain the current ISO tariff and policy, including technical details
  • Identify what is working and not working from AESO perspective
  • Gather stakeholder feedback on what is working and not working
  • Develop objectives for a revised policy

Out of Scope

These topics will be addressed in other workstreams:

  • Ancillary Services
  • Other priority tariff work; and
  • Optimized Transmission Planning (OTP)

Note: OTP will influence understanding of drivers for new or upgraded transmission facilities and related price signals to stakeholders.

Engagement Schedule (Updated March 18, 2026)


  • TCO Working Group: Expression of Interest (March 18 to April 17, 2026)

    Purpose

    To gauge interest and select industry representatives to participate in the Tariff Connection Obligations Working Group. 

    Respond to this survey by April 17, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. MT. Please be as specific as possible with your responses. 

    Instructions

    1. This survey 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 Application" box below to respond to the survey.

    Questions

    1. Which industry segment would you represent in this working group?
    2. Do you agree with the intent and outcome of the Working Group (focus on background, regulatory parameters to assess examples to create a shared understanding, followed by collective evaluation)
    3. Please explain your response to Question 2. 
    4. Please confirm your availability to participate in the working group meetings.

    If you have any questions about the survey, email stakeholderrelations@aeso.ca.

    Submit
Page last updated: 18 Mar 2026, 02:29 PM