AUC inquiry into the ongoing economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta – Module A

The AUC has delivered its report for Module A of the renewables inquiry to the Minister of Affordability and Utilities by January 31, 2024, as directed by the Alberta government’s order-in-council. The report can be found here.

Related bulletins, announcements and reference material

• AUC inquiry Module A registration for oral submissions
• AUC inquiry process for Module A – notice of application for Proceeding 28501
• Bulletin 2023-06: AUC inquiry into the ongoing economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta
• AUC announcement (August 22, 2023): Update to AUC application review process during approval pause period
• AUC announcement (August 3, 2023): AUC to launch inquiry, implement pause on approvals for new renewable electricity generation
• Feedback received on implementing the pause
• Impacted applications from the Generation Approvals Pause Regulation

Fact sheets

• AUC inquiry – eFiling registration and submissions
• Generation Approvals Pause Regulation – frequently asked questions

Scope of the AUC’s inquiry

The inquiry has been separated into two modules (Module A and Module B) to explore the key issues identified in the Alberta government’s order-in-council. The AUC issued a notice on October 3, 2023, outlining the process for Module A.

Module A explored the land impact issues identified in the Alberta government’s order-in-council, including the role of municipal governments and more specifically the following:

1. Considerations on development of power plants on specific types or classes of agricultural or environmental land.
2. Considerations of the impact of power plant development on Alberta’s pristine viewscapes.
3. Considerations of implementing mandatory reclamation security requirements for power plants.
4. Considerations for development of power plants on lands held by the Crown in Right of Alberta.

Module B will consider the impact the increasing growth of renewables has to both generation supply mix and electricity system reliability.

Participation

The AUC provided several options for parties to participate in the inquiry (Proceeding 28501) and to choose their preferred means to have their submissions considered.

Comment matrix

The AUC prepared a comment matrix, organized by key issue, which was be used as a template to assist parties who wished to prepare written submissions. The comment matrix is now closed.

Written submissions

Parties were able provide written submissions in their preferred format on the AUC’s eFiling System until November 22, 2023. All submissions, including completed comment matrices, are publicly available on the AUC’s eFiling System under Proceeding 28501. Instructions for how to log in and register an eFiling System account can be found in the AUC’s eFiling System basics brochure.

Oral submissions and questions from the AUC

The AUC provided the opportunity for interested parties to make oral submissions to the Commission panel on the inquiry topics for Module A. These sessions were conducted virtually and broadcasted through the AUC’s YouTube channel.

Submissions from members of the general public were conducted December 4-6. Submissions from organizations, including municipalities, First Nations, Métis communities, corporations or industry associations and other groups were conducted virtually during the week of December 11. A schedule of participants can be found here.

Registrations were accepted until 4 p.m. on November 28, 2023. Additional information can be found here.

Expert reports

The AUC commissioned a number of expert reports related to the land impact issues covered in Module A. These reports were made publicly available on the AUC’s eFiling System in Proceeding 28501 on November 10, 2023.

If you have any questions about the expert reports, please direct these questions towards Victor Choy at victor.choy@auc.ab.ca. The expert reports are listed below.

In-person open-house sessions

The AUC held open-house sessions in three locations (listed below) in November where AUC staff were available to share information about the AUC, the inquiry process, and how to participate in the inquiry.

Module A process steps

The AUC has established the following process schedule for Module A:

Privacy

To support an open and transparent process, information you send to the AUC will be publicly available through the AUC’s eFiling System. If there is confidential information you would like to file, a request must be made in advance of filing your submission.

Please contact us at 310-4AUC (310-4282) in Alberta or info@auc.ab.ca for more information or assistance.