Stakeholder Feedback – Participant Involvement
The AUC asked for stakeholder feedback on proposed amendments to AUC Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations and Hydro Developments (“Rule 007”) to address emerging technologies and rising issues identified in Bulletin 2019-10 and Bulletin 2019-19. Feedback was also sought on reorganizing Rule 007 to eliminate duplication, clarify existing requirements and to make the rule easier to understand and to use.
The draft version of Rule 007 explicitly references Indigenous groups throughout the information requirements and in the participant involvement program (“PIP”) guidelines.
Interim Changes to AUC Participation Involvement Program; Related Information Requirements Updated
The AUC extended the period to receive, consider and respond to project notifications from 14 days to 30 days for Rule 007 Appendix A1, Section 6 and Appendix A2, Section 3.2(c); Rule 020: Rules Respecting Gas Utility Pipelines, Section 2.2(4). The AUC continued to consider this additional time to be reasonable in the current circumstances related to COVID-19.
The AUC also discouraged face-to-face consultation unless it could be undertaken in compliance with physical distancing practices. The AUC continues to encourage applicants to communicate with stakeholders using phone, email, video conferencing or other means that avoid face-to-face contact wherever possible. Project proponents could assess, on a case-by-case basis, whether gatherings such as open houses and town hall meetings are prudent and may hold them where consistent with current government orders related to COVID-19.
Indigenous Engagement
The AUC asked Applicants to continue to reach out to Indigenous groups to understand their unique circumstances and availability to discuss proposed electric and gas utility facilities under Rule 007 and Rule 020.
