Who's Who in the Electricity Zoo

KEEPING TRACK IN A CHANGING MARKETPLACE

The AFREA has been busy keeping up with developments in the electricity sector and advocating on behalf of our member REAs. Listed below, with a summary description, are a few of the items we've been working on and information about the regulatory bodies we interact with when we represent you. 

1. The Market Surveillance Administrator is reviewing the Regulated Rate Option at Alberta Energy’s request. On June 1, 2017, the Regulated Rate Option was capped at $0.068/kWh through passage of Bill 16 in the Legislative Assembly. The AFREA continues to provide feedback on this change and is working closely with the MSA.
2. FortisAlberta Inc. has applied for an order from the Alberta Utilities Commission to: a) confirm its service areas on land annexed by municipalities, and b) compel REAs to turn over wires, substations, and corresponding members. AUC Proceeding 22164 is ongoing. It directly involves three REAs that are AFREA members. The AFREA is representing its members and one additional REA in disputing this application. We have engaged legal counsel and technical consulting expertise to assist us on.
3. The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) is tasked with investigating ‘distribution-connected generation’. Proceeding 22534 is considering how renewable (solar, wind, hydro) and alternative energy sources could be expanded in Alberta to produce electricity close to power users. The AFREA is participating as a key stakeholder in this proceeding, at the request of the AUC.
4. In June 2017 the AUC approved changes to Rule 024:  Rules Respecting Micro-Generation.  The AFREA has represented our members interests in this Consultation and there will be more details forthcoming as the Rule changes effective July 4, 2017.  

After 75 years in the business, the environment has likely never been more complex than it is now. Even in these far-reaching scenarios, we have not mentioned all the agencies involved in running Alberta’s electricity industry.

While we ask for your input into these cases, we recognize it’s a zoo – not just of technical detail, but of too many acronyms and players of whom to keep track. But... it is possible to get a handle on it. We've put together a list of “who’s who” to detangle it for you.

Thank you for representing your members and the unique nature of your REA when we've requested your input. It will continue to be needed! Please keep reading your E-News for updates in these matters.

You can influence the future of all REAs by staying engaged this way.