IPPSA Intelligence

Alberta Electric System Operator

Alberta’s electricity operator has advanced market transparency and regulatory compliance through a series of operational revisions. Updated locational marginal price modeling presentations now include detailed constrained and unconstrained price datasets, enhancing market participant insights.

Stakeholder sessions for the new Fast Frequency Response Plus ancillary service procurement are under way, while administrative amendments to market participation forms streamline entry and ongoing engagement. The seamless upgrade of the electric transmission system digital certificate platform ensures uninterrupted access for users.

The AESO filed for approval of deferral account balances for 2024, incorporating adjustments back to 2020, a critical move for prudent rate management.

Engagement around evolving reliability standards has gathered feedback through the Reliability Standards Sync Up Project, reinforcing compliance and risk mitigation. 

References:

1. AESO August 2025 Newsletter: Key Updates on Alberta's Electricity Market and Stakeholder Engagement

TA Alberta Hydro LP Fined for Non-Compliance 

On July 14, 2025, Alberta’s Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA) penalized TA Alberta Hydro LP with two separate $10,000 fines for failing to maintain continuous and effective governor-system operation during spinning reserve dispatch at hours ending 20 and 21 on April 13, 2025.

These lapses in governor control, including load limiters and offline control loops, compromised maximum frequency response and breached ISO Rule Section 205.5 subsections 6(1)(a) and (b). The violations were detected externally and not self-reported.

These penalties reflect broader industry trends toward stricter oversight and accountability as grids integrate diverse energy sources and face evolving reliability challenges. As provincial energy markets grapple with increasing demand and renewable integration, maintaining robust spinning reserve performance remains critical to preventing service interruptions and safeguarding system resilience.

References:

1. TA Alberta Hydro LP Fined $20,000 for Non-Compliance With Spinning Reserve Governor Operation in April 2025

Record Peak Electricity Demand in the U.S

Record-breaking electricity demand in the U.S. Lower 48 states reached 759,180 megawatts in late July 2025, driven by intense heat and rising overall consumption. This peak, nearly 2% above the previous year’s high, underscores accelerating growth in electricity use, with the EIA projecting over 2% annual increases through 2026.

Regions like Texas and Northern Virginia are poised for even steeper rises amid expansions in data centers and manufacturing hubs, creating localized stress on grid infrastructure. As peak demand patterns evolve, system operators face mounting challenges to integrate flexible resources, ramp up capacity, and maintain reliability during extreme weather events.

References:

1. Record Peak Electricity Demand in the U.S.: Insights and Future Trends

AltaLink's Proactive Wildfire Mitigation

Facing a runaway wildfire in Alberta’s Lac La Biche region, AltaLink has deployed advanced mitigation techniques and repair protocols to protect transmission infrastructure and sustain power delivery. By applying fire-resistant wraps on wooden poles ahead of the blaze, the utility minimized structural losses and reduced service disruptions. When flames damaged lines, crews replaced or repaired 21 structures in under two weeks despite harsh terrain and logistical challenges. These measures exemplify a broader industry trend toward resilience against increasingly frequent and intense wildfires.

References:

1. AltaLink's Proactive Wildfire Mitigation: Strategies and Rapid Response in Alberta

TransAlta Corporation Q2 Results

TransAlta announced second quarter results where adjusted EBITDA rose to $349 million from $316 million a year earlier while free cash flow held steady at $177 million, despite recording a $112 million net loss compared with a $56 million profit in Q2 2024.

Strategic progress included extending its credit facilities, recontracting Ontario wind assets, bidding to repurchase common shares and signing an agreement to divest the Poplar Hill gas asset in line with regulatory conditions. Looking ahead, the company remains on track to meet its 2025 outlook by advancing its Alberta data-center strategy, negotiating coal-to-gas conversions at Centralia and proactively addressing Alberta’s challenging price environment.

References:

1. TransAlta Corporation: Navigating Challenges and Embracing Sustainability in Q2 2025 Financial Results

Enbridge Inc Q2 Results

Growing demand for energy infrastructure across North America has propelled Enbridge Inc. to report a 17.8% rise in second-quarter earnings, reaching $2.18 billion. Strong customer demand, particularly in the U.S., and ongoing projects under low-risk commercial frameworks contributed to robust performance and earnings per share that exceeded analyst estimates.

References:

1. Enbridge Inc.: Navigating Growth Amidst Regulatory Challenges and Market Shifts in North America's Energy Landscape

TC Energy Q2 Results

The company’s solid financial performance in the second quarter, with net income rising to $862 million, underpins its adaptive strategy amid market volatility. Demand for electricity from data centers and industrial users in the U.S. offers higher yields, prompting a focus on smaller brownfield expansions within existing corridors to minimize cost and regulatory complexity. TC Energy forecasts North American natural gas demand to rise by 45 billion cubic feet per day by 2035, engaging more than 30 data-center clients to secure future capacity.

References:

1. TC Energy's Strategic Shift: Prioritizing U.S. Investments for Higher Returns Amid Canadian Infrastructure Challenges

Canadian Utilities Ltd Q2 Results

Canadian Utilities Ltd delivered robust adjusted earnings growth in Q2 2025, rising to $121 million from $117 million a year earlier, underpinned by its largest capital plan in history. Significant infrastructure initiatives include the Central East Transfer Out project and the Yellowhead pipeline, which is largely contracted and expected to generate roughly 24,000 jobs by 2028 while contributing an estimated $3.9 billion annually to Alberta’s GDP.

Emphasis on safety and resilience is strengthening infrastructure readiness amid escalating wildfire threats in Alberta. The company faces regulatory headwinds after the Alberta Utilities Commission mandated customer refunds and imposed performance-based regulation decisions now under appeal.

References:

1. Canadian Utilities Ltd: Navigating Growth Amid Regulatory Challenges and Infrastructure Investments

Maxim Power Corp. Q2 Results

Maxim Power Corp. posted Q2 2025 revenue of CAD21.4M, up from CAD17.0M a year earlier, driven by higher generation volumes and improved power prices. Adjusted EBITDA rose to CAD6.2M versus CAD4.3M, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency at its Alberta gas-fired facility. 

The firm remains focused on optimizing its core gas unit while advancing gas and wind development opportunities. Future outlook hinges on effective management of operational risks and continued pursuit of diversified energy projects. 

References:

1. Maxim Power Corp. Reports Q2 2025: Revenue Growth Amid Net Income Challenges

Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link for Canada's Arctic Communities

Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link represents an endeavour to replace diesel-dependent power with clean hydropower and extend high-speed internet to remote Arctic settlements. Proposed in 2018 with an estimated budget of $3.2 billion, the project envisions a 1,200-kilometre transmission and fibre-optic corridor connecting northern Manitoba’s hydro generation to Nunavut communities.

Recent endorsements from Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Nunavut’s territorial government, alongside public approval at 84 percent, confirm strong provincial, territorial and popular momentum. Construction could commence by 2028 with operations slated for 2032.

References:

1. Kivalliq Hydro-Fibre Link: Bridging Renewable Energy and Connectivity in Canada's Arctic Communities

SaskPower's Strategic Land Acquisition

Growing interest in nuclear power has prompted SaskPower to secure parcels of land along Saskatchewan’s Rafferty Reservoir for $3.19 million, underpinning a cautious site assessment rather than a finalized selection. This investment reflects a provincial strategy to supplement or replace coal-fired generation, driven by Premier Scott Moe’s announced energy diversification goals.

Potential reactor technologies under consideration include large-scale models such as Westinghouse’s AP1000, which promise stable baseload output and enhanced safety features. By keeping options open at the Rafferty and Boundary Dam sites, SaskPower seeks to address projected demand fluctuations and support economic growth.

References:

1. SaskPower's Strategic Land Acquisition: Paving the Way for Nuclear Energy in Saskatchewan

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