Author: Jordyn Smith

Comparing the AUC and BCUC Hydrogen Inquiries

The British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) recently initiated a hydrogen inquiry to examine the feasibility and potential market for producing and distributing hydrogen natural gas into its current natural gas framework. This inquiry parallels the inquiry conducted by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) in 2022. Comparing the two inquiry frameworks reveals the similarities and differences between the two provinces’ approaches to hydrogen.

The AUC’s Hydrogen Inquiry

In March of 2022, the government of Alberta directed the AUC to inquire into and report to the Minister of Energy on the potential hydrogen blending into the province’s natural gas distribution systems.[1] The AUC then opened a public inquiry on the matter, the scope of which included the following:



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

Information Requests and Responses in ENMAX’s 2023-2025 Transmission General Tariff Application

In proceeding 27581, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission), the Consumers’ Coalition of Alberta (CCA), and the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) each submit their information requests (IRs) to ENMAX Energy Corporation (ENMAX) regarding ENMAX’s 2023-2025 Transmission General Tariff Application. ENMAX recently responded to these IRs that covered operations and maintenance costs, depreciation practices, and specific projects and programs.



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

EPCOR 2023-2025 TFO Tariff Application Evidence

In proceeding 27675, four intervenors on behalf of the Consumers’ Coalition of Alberta (CCA) and the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA) submit evidence addressing the 2023-2025 Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) application of EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (EPCOR). The evidence focuses on several issues including operating and maintenance costs, deferral accounts, full-time equivalents (FTEs), and depreciation.



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

ATCO and Enforcement Staff Settlement Agreement on Customer Rate Class Switching Requests [Update]

In proceeding 27948, the Enforcement staff of the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) request an enforcement proceeding and approval of a settlement agreement between the Enforcement staff and ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. (ATCO). The investigation behind the agreement was in response to a complaint from TCB Welding & Construction Ltd. (TCB) concerning high-use delivery service charges. TCB alleged that ATCO delayed switching it from the mid-use to the high-use delivery service rate and TCB was overcharged from December 2020 to November 2021.[1]

The Contraventions

After their investigation, Enforcement staff found that ATCO failed:

  • To make TCB aware of ATCOs rate schedules for different customer rate classes.
  • To apply the most favourable rate schedule to TCB in a timely fashion.
  • To refund the difference in rates charged to TCB between when it requested an alternative rate and when ATCO updated TCB’s rate class.[2]


To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

Commission Decision on Direct Energy’s Energy Price Setting Plan Application

In Proceeding 27562, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) issues its decision regarding the 2023-2025 Energy Price Setting Plan (EPSP) Application of Direct Energy Regulated Services (Direct Energy). Direct Energy is a regulated rate option (RRO) provider in ATCO Electric Ltd.’s service territory. The EPSP establishes electricity pricing for these RRO customers. Direct Energy proposed EPSP includes nine total changes: six to the confidential procurement protocol and three to other non-confidential provisions of the EPSP. However, after hearing intervenor arguments, Direct Energy’s EPSP is not approved by the Commission, and Direct Energy is to refile the plan after making the necessary changes.[1]



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

Decisions on ATCO and FortisAlberta’s 2023 Revenue Requirements and Rates

In Proceedings 27671 and 27672, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) issues its decision regarding the 2023 revenue requirements and proposed rates of ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO) and FortisAlberta Inc. (FortisAlberta). For ATCO and FortisAlberta, this concludes the rebasing cost-of-service review in preparation for the third term of performance-based regulation (PBR).



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

2023 Maximum Investment Levels Decision

In Proceeding 27658, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) sets the maximum investment levels (MILs) for 2023 that a distribution facility owner (DFO) can contribute to the cost of connecting a new customer to its system. Therefore, the 2023 MILs for each DFO will be set by escalating the 2022 MILs by a 2.68 percent inflation factor.[1]

2023 Maximum Investment Levels (MILs)

Individual developers are responsible for constructing electric utility infrastructure inside new residential developments within FortisAlberta Inc., ATCO Electric Ltd., and EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (the DFOs) service areas. After completing construction, the developer passes infrastructure ownership back to the DFO and receives compensation from the DFO according to the approved MILs. Any costs beyond the MILs fall to the developer.[2]



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

The AESO’s 2022 ISO Tariff Modernization Application

In Proceeding 27864, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) applies for approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) to revise the Independent System Operator (ISO) tariff. These revisions intend to align the ISO tariff with the AESO’s existing practices. The application also responds to two Commission-issued directions.[1]



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

Commission Decisions on Apex’s, ATCO’s, ENMAX’s, and EPCOR’s Cost-of-Service and Distribution Rate Compliance Filings going into PBR3

In Proceedings 27651, 27653, 27684, and 27685, Apex Utilities Inc. (Apex), ATCO Gas (ATCO), ENMAX Power Corporation (ENMAX), and EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (EPCOR) submit their revenue requirement and distribution rates compliance filings to the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) for approval going into the third term of performance-based regulation (PBR3). The approval of these compliance filings concludes each applicant’s PBR rebasing.[1]



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.

Evidence regarding ATCO Electric’s Transmission 2023-2025 General Tariff Application

In Proceeding 27062, ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO) asks the Commission to approve their revenue requirement of $677.1 million in 2023, $687.8 million in 2024 and $698.6 million in 2025. ATCO notes that the 2023 requirement is lower than their 2022 forecast because they are proposing to stop collecting Future Income Tax (FIT) expenses, their property taxes are lower, and there are fewer head office costs. After completing a round of information requests, intervenors submitted evidence detailing their concerns regarding the application.[1]



To view more of this post, please

Login Here

or contact us.