In proceeding 29064, ATCO Gas and ATCO electric (collectively referred to as ATCO) request to file fact evidence as part of the phase 2 PBR re-opener for the second-generation PBR (PBR2). The Commission issues a decision on this request and sets out the next process steps and dates for the proceeding.
In proceeding 29006 on the AESO Contribution in Aid of Construction Policy (CIAC), an Agreed Statement of Facts and Law has been prepared and agreed to by the parties. The purpose is to assist in identifying the issues that will be considered within the proceeding.
In proceeding 28750, AltaLink Management Ltd. (AltaLink) applied to the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) recover repair, replacement, and salvage expenses related to its transmission facilities that were destroyed in the 2023 spring wildfire and snow events that occurred after AltaLink filed its 2024-2025 general tariff application (GTA). AltaLink made a request to capitalize $18.5 million spent on repairing and replacing damaged assets and destroyed assets and to include $6.2 million in salvage expenditures in its GTA.[1]
On July 30, 2024, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) released its 2023-2024 Report Card to share its progress toward meeting strategic initiatives. Some highlights of this report include the Commission’s efficiency metrics in limiting regulatory burdens; how the Commission is facilitating change in the sector; and the Commission’s initial implementation of artificial intelligence and its expansion of student programs.[1]
In proceeding 29106, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) denies an application by ATCO Electric and ATCO Gas (ATCO) for a review and variance of Decision 28300-D01-2024. In the original decision, the Commission decided to reopen ATCO’s 2018-2022 performance-based regulation (PBR) plan to examine the reasonability of ATCO’s 2021 and 2022 rate of return.
In proceeding 29010, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) issues its decision regarding the application for a review of Decision 28576-D02-2024 put forward by the Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA). The UCA took issue with the approved changes to Rate 21 of FortisAlberta Inc. (Fortis) after Fortis acquired the Tomahawk rural electrification association (REA) – the UCA believes the consequences of this acquisition would have been material to the decision if it had been known.
In proceeding 29213, EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (EPCOR) submits its 2024 System Access Service (SAS) rates application to the Alberta Utilities Commission. EPCOR seeks approval of its SAS cost of service study and rate design models which it intends to use for its 2025 annual performance-based regulation (PBR) adjustment. EPCOR’s current SAS rates were approved in Decision 28581-D02-2024 and EPCOR wants to re-align these rates with the AESO’s demand transmission service (DTS) charges. Additionally, EPCOR responds to a prior Commission direction to review how its billing minimums are set for its capacity charge for each rate class.[1]
In Proceeding 28989, The Alberta Utilities Commission (The Commission or AUC) approved the Alberta Electric System Operator’s (AESO) application to update its Rate Demand Opportunity Service (DOS), with reasons to follow.
In proceeding 29109, ATCO Electric and the Alberta Utilities Commission Enforcement Staff (Enforcement Staff) submit a settlement agreement to the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) regarding two issues of misrepresented financials that ATCO Electric self-reported to Enforcement Staff; an additional error was also discovered in ATCO Electric’s revenue requirement during the subsequent investigation of the issues. The party’s have requested that the Commission accept the settlement of an administrative penalty of $3 million, a refund of $4 million to customers, and payment of Enforcement Staff’s external legal counsel related to this proceeding.[1]
In Bulletin 2024-12, the Alberta Utilities Commission (the Commission) announced a new process for utility franchise agreements and franchise fee approvals resulting from the Utilities Affordability Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 (the Act). The amendments came into force on June 20 and any impacted franchise agreements will terminate on March 17, 2025 unless they are approved or re-approved by the Commission.[1]