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ARTICLE · 11 AUGUST 2023

Pause On Renewable Project Approvals

Stikeman Elliott LLP
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The topic of renewable energy in Alberta recently made major headlines across the province and country due to a surprise announcement from Alberta's Minister of Affordability...

CanadaEnergy and Natural Resources
Dennis P Langen
Dennis P Langen
Taylor Sakon
Taylor Sakon
Barrett Schultz
Barrett Schultz
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The topic of renewable energy in Alberta recently made major headlines across the province and country due to a surprise announcement from Alberta's Minister of Affordability and Utilities ("Minister").1 On August 3, 2023, the Minister announced that the Alberta Utilities Commission ("AUC") was being directed to immediately pause the issuance of approvals for new renewable electricity projects, citing a need to review policies and procedures currently in place relating to development of these projects ("Policies") (Creating certainty for renewable projects | alberta.ca). The approval of power plants and hydro developments that produce renewable electricity and are greater than one megawatt in project capacity are paused until February 29, 2024 ("Approval Pause"). The Approval Pause and pending policy review is a direct result of a letter written to the Alberta government from the AUC2, expressing concerns from municipalities and landowners regarding the rapid pace

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