To access Alberta’s transmission system, customers apply to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) for interconnection, initiating the interconnection process. The interconnection process underwent a number of improvements which were introduced in April 2005 following more than a year of collaboration between the AESO and its industry partners.

The interconnection process is actually four processes, each one designed to match specific project types (Existing Substation, New Substation, Industrial Load/Generator or Mega Project), and replaces the previous “one size fits all” approach. These processes have improved the coordination between industry organizations resulting in reductions in overall interconnection cycle time and providing customers with improved visibility of their project as it moves through the process. Customers interested in obtaining more information about the interconnection process should visit the AESO's Customer Interconnections webpage.

1. Elimination of the two-stage application process with the AESO;
2. Customers contract for facility construction directly with the incumbent DFO/TFO;
3. Combining the project need and facilities applications into a single application to the AUC;
4. The development of AESO guidelines to facilitate decision-making; and
5. Customers can work collaboratively with transmission facility owners throughout the interconnection process.

Pursuant to a Delegation Agreement entered into between the AESO and AltaLink in May 2005, the AESO can, on a project-by-project basis, designate AltaLink to carry out certain duties and responsibilities in the interconnection process. These duties and responsibilities can include: contracting directly with customers for facility construction and collecting security to cover any cancellation risk associated with construction not going ahead as planned.