Alberta Utilities Commission's inquiry and pause on approvals for affordable, reliable renewable electricity

Submission to the Alberta Utilities Commission

On August 3, 2023, the Government of Alberta announced a seven-month pause on approvals for renewable energy projects over 1 megawatt (MW) — including wind, solar and geothermal, though excluding microgeneration. 

With that announcement, the Alberta Utilities Commission requested input on options for the Commission's processing of power plant applications during the approvals pause period. 

The Pembina Institute submitted its response to the Commission's inquiry. We recommend that the pause be lifted and that the government (including the Commission and the Ministry of Affordability and Utilities) address concerns through existing regulatory processes and ongoing policy development.