Rescinded Approval
In this decision, the AUC rescinded the needs identification document approval for the Peace Butte Wind Energy Connection Project (the “Approval”). The AUC rescinded the Approval in response to an application from the Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”) because the system access service request was canceled.
Discussion
In 2013, the Approval was granted for the need to connect the approved Peace Butte Wind Power Project and Tothill 219S Substation to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (“AIES”) by constructing a new 138-kilovolt transmission line.
After the AUC had issued the necessary permits and licenses, the AUC issued various extensions to construct the wind power project and the connection facilities. In May of 2021, the AUC rescinded the Approval for the wind power project and the permits and licenses for the corresponding substation. As a result, there was no longer a need to connect the power plant. The AESO canceled the system access service request for the project on May 12, 2021.
AUC Findings
The AUC accepted that the approved need for the connection facilities was no longer required. The AUC accordingly rescinded the needs identification document approval. As the connection order for the wind power had not yet been rescinded, the AUC also rescinded the order for connecting the new transmission line to the Tothill 219S Substation.
