Alberta Utilities Commission Provides Much Needed Update On The Application Review Process During Approval Pause Period

On Tuesday, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC or Commission) released an announcement providing some much-needed clarity on the implementation of the Government of Alberta's August 3, 2023 direction, that the Commission immediately pause approvals in respect of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt until February 29, 2024, in order to facilitate an inquiry regarding policies and procedures for the development of renewable electricity generation. The AUC's announcement comes almost three weeks after the Government of Alberta's initial announcement of the Approval Pause.

Background

To recap, on August 3, 2023, the Government of Alberta announced the enactment of the Generation Approvals Pause Regulation through an order-in-council. The Regulation prohibits the AUC from issuing approvals under section 9 or 11 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act, for new hydro developments or power plants that produce renewable energy during a period