IPPSA Intelligence

Alberta Electric System Operator

Alberta’s electricity landscape is evolving with key project updates and market reforms. Strathcona Resources’ 18 MW biomass generator, Asset ETL1, has been delayed beyond its planned May 15, 2025 start, with commissioning and testing phases pending.

Meanwhile, AESO filed a Needs Identification Document for the 300 MW Luna Solar+ Project Phase One on July 7, 2025, marking a significant step toward solar capacity expansion; stakeholders can review the NID on AESO’s site.

Preparations for the restructured electricity market continue with a Part B REM Modelling Workshop on July 29, aimed at refining market design. To guide new demand-rate frameworks, AESO engaged FTI Consulting for cost-of-service analysis and a coalition including Boost Energy Ventures, Energex Partners, and Power Team Consulting for a first-of-its-kind Benefit of Service study in Alberta, incorporating direct consumer feedback sessions through August.

These initiatives underscore the province’s focus on integrating renewables, enhancing tariff transparency, and balancing supply-demand dynamics, even as delays highlight the complexities of grid integration.

References:

1. Advancing Renewable Energy: Updates on the Luna Solar+ Project and Alberta's Electricity Market Reforms
2. Postponement of Strathcona Resources' Biomass Generator in Alberta Electricity Market

AUC Rule 027 update

Bulletin 2025-10 from the Alberta Utilities Commission announces updates to Rule 027, specifically the addition of a new reliability standard, PRC‑025‑AB‑2, which is now included in the penalty table, making it subject to enforcement. Additionally, two existing reliability standards have been amended and their updated versions have replaced the previous ones within the rule. These changes reflect the AUC’s ongoing efforts to align with evolving reliability requirements for Alberta’s bulk electric system and to enhance regulatory oversight and compliance.

References:

1. Bulletin 2025-10 from the Alberta Utilities Commission

Energy Future Labs Releases Report on Alberta’s Electricity Future

Alberta’s current electricity distribution system—designed for a centralized, infrastructure-first era—is increasingly misaligned with the evolving needs of a net-zero, customer-driven energy future. The report urges a paradigm shift, embedding customer choice, demand-side management, distributed energy resources (DERs), and community-scale solutions into distribution policy. Key recommendations include creating regulatory frameworks and incentives to optimize existing assets, unlocking DER integration through clearer tariffs and interconnection protocols, and enhancing data transparency to empower consumer participation. It also calls for flexible, adaptive market pathways that recognize value brought by non-traditional resources and local solutions.

These changes aim to accelerate grid modernization by aligning policy and regulation with innovation, affordability, and equity. Emphasized reforms involve enabling robust demand-side management programs, supporting decentralized market mechanisms, and improving coordination between transmission and distribution operators. Ultimately, the goal is a smarter, more inclusive grid that empowers consumers, reduces system costs, and supports a resilient, low-carbon energy future—designed not around traditional infrastructure, but around people, communities, and local clean-energy opportunities. The report positions these recommendations alongside ongoing provincial and AESO regional policy developments, aiming to influence Alberta’s upcoming Distribution Policy framework.

References:

1. Alberta’s Electricity Future: Distribution Policy Recommendations

Site C Project Reaches Milestone with Commissioning of Fifth Generating Unit

BC Hydro’s Site C project marked a pivotal milestone with the commissioning of its fifth generating unit on July 16, 2025, advancing British Columbia’s clean energy trajectory. This unit joins four others brought online between October 2024 and March 2025, each delivering over 180 MW—enough to power more than 80,000 homes. Upon finalization with a sixth generator later in the fall, Site C will supply renewable electricity to roughly 500,000 households, accounting for about eight percent of BC Hydro’s total capacity. This development helps stabilize rates.

Policymakers, including Minister of Energy and Climate Solutions Adrian Dix, have highlighted the strategic importance of Site C in securing affordable rates for communities and businesses while aligning with provincial climate targets.

References:

1. Site C Project Reaches Milestone with Commissioning of Fifth Generating Unit, Advancing Clean Energy in British Columbia

Google and Brookfield Asset Management Forge Groundbreaking Hydropower Agreement

Google’s Hydro Framework Agreement with Brookfield Asset Management will secure up to 3,000 megawatts of power for its U.S. data centers, marking the first digital infrastructure deal of its kind. Targeting Brookfield’s Holtwood and Safe Harbor hydroelectric plants in Pennsylvania, it taps 670 MW of existing capacity, with plans to relicense and upgrade the facilities for continuous generation. 

The long-term arrangement advances Google’s goal to run on 24/7 carbon-free energy and strengthens U.S. energy security by reinforcing local grids. It also enables Brookfield to offer tailored clean energy solutions to large tech clients.

References:

1. Google and Brookfield Asset Management Forge Groundbreaking Hydropower Agreement for Sustainable Data Center Energy

SaskPower's $134 Million Investment

SaskPower is committing $134 million to modernize critical transmission infrastructure across East Central Saskatchewan, replacing 1950s-era equipment with a new switching station in Lanigan and a 230-kilovolt double-circuit line extending more than 100 kilometers to the existing Beatty station near Melfort, plus a tap into a Humboldt substation.

Driven by growing hydro power flows and rising electricity demand from residential, industrial, and agricultural users, this upgrade aims to secure long-term reliability and capacity. Supported by federal and provincial funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Green Stream.

References:

1. SaskPower's $134 Million Investment: Modernizing Electrical Infrastructure in East Central Saskatchewan for Enhanced Reliability and Future Demand

Oriana Power and Invest Alberta Forge Partnership to Drive Renewable Energy Development in Alberta by Financial Post

Oriana Power Limited’s partnership with Invest Alberta Corporation marks a pivotal expansion in the province’s renewable energy sector. Under a Memorandum of Understanding, both entities plan a vertically integrated clean energy complex in Alberta, with initial investments between $300 million and $500 million, potentially rising to $1 billion within five years based on project viability. Invest Alberta will facilitate provincial program navigation, stakeholder engagement, and workforce development through collaborations with local educational institutions. 

References:

1. Oriana Power and Invest Alberta Forge Partnership to Drive Renewable Energy Development in Alberta

Woodland Cree First Nation Launches Mihta Askiy Data Centre

Woodland Cree First Nation plans to acquire a partially completed power plant site on its traditional lands 500 km northwest of Edmonton to develop the Mihta Askiy Data Centre in partnership with Alberta-based Sovereign Digital Infrastructure. This project merges modern digital infrastructure with indigenous stewardship, reflecting a broader trend of First Nations leveraging territorial assets for sustainable economic growth. The choice of natural gas as the energy source addresses immediate operational needs amid escalating global data demands and rising scrutiny around fossil fuel use.

By integrating clean energy considerations and efficiency measures, the initiative aims to balance environmental responsibility with the realities of existing energy markets. Economically, the data centre promises job creation, revenue diversification and financial resilience for the Woodland Cree community. It also positions the First Nation as a regional leader in digital services, attracting investment and fostering technological capacity building.

References:

1. Woodland Cree First Nation Launches Mihta Askiy Data Centre: A Fusion of Indigenous Tradition and Modern Technology

Modernizing Manitoba's Power Grid

Manitoba Hydro is embarking on a 15-year, $7 billion-plus overhaul of its primary HVDC transmission network, replacing aging Bipoles I and II and their converter stations. Responsible for over 70% of the province’s power, these lines have surpassed their intended lifespans, posing reliability and operational risks. The HVDC Reliability Project encompasses roughly 1,000 kilometers of high-voltage direct current lines and attendant equipment from northern generating stations to Winnipeg. A procurement process aims to firm up costs, which may exceed current estimates. Funding hinges on 3.5% annual rate increases over 15 years, stirring political debate as consumers brace for higher bills.

Finance Minister Adrien Sala cites overdue maintenance as justification for the scale of investment, while advocates caution that Hydro’s historical cost forecasting and management need greater scrutiny.

References:

1. Modernizing Manitoba's Power Grid: The $7 Billion HVDC Reliability Project

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