The pilot project for low-risk electric transmission and gas utility pipeline applications launched in Bulletin 2020-15 will be expanded to include abbreviated needs identification document applications that are driven by system access service requests from generators and non-distribution facility owner loads.
Abbreviated needs identification documents would be eligible to be filed as a checklist, if:
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All stakeholder concerns were resolved;
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There were no system-related costs;
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The project would not result in any Category A adverse system impacts under the Alberta Reliability Standards;
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The project was not anticipated to cause significant environmental effects;
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The alternative selection is straightforward or obvious. [The Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”) has a compelling rationale for why one technical solution is superior.]
During the pilot project, the AESO will be required to file a two-page checklist confirming that the regulatory requirements for the application have been met, a cost estimate, and a single-line diagram. The AESO will not be required to file any other related supporting documents; however, it will be required to keep the related supporting documents on file to respond to an AUC compliance review.
The goals of this addition to the pilot project are to reduce regulatory burden and maintain the effectiveness and credibility of the regulatory system.
The AUC prepared a form for the checklist applications. The abbreviated needs identification document checklist application form was made available on Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations and Hydro Developments Rule-related information page on the AUC website.
