Alberta Pauses Approvals for Renewable Energy Projects as of Aug 3rd

August 8, 2023

Starting Aug. 3, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) will pause approvals of new renewable electricity generation projects over one megawatt until Feb. 29, 2024, and review policies and procedures for the development of renewable electricity generation.

This approach is in direct response to a letter received from the AUC and concerns raised from municipalities and landowners related to responsible land use and the rapid pace of renewables development. At the end of this process, future renewable projects will be able to move forward at a pace that is conducive to business while maintaining responsible environmental stewardship and preserving Alberta’s reliable electricity supply.

Throughout the process, Albertans will still be able to install renewable energy products in their homes and communities.

“Participants in our public hearings have increasingly raised concerns about the impacts and pace of renewable generation development. We are pleased to support the government in canvassing relevant issues for its development of policy to ensure the economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta.”

Carolyn Dahl Rees, chair, Alberta Utilities Commission

“RMA is pleased by this decision to develop a provincewide plan for how the industry can grow strategically and responsibly. Rural municipalities cover roughly 85 per cent of Alberta’s land and their voices must be included in the approval process for all renewable energy projects. We look forward to working with the Government of Alberta to create an approval process that balances provincial and local perspectives and positions Alberta as a leader in responsible renewable energy development.”

Paul McLauchlin, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta 

The AUC inquiry will include reviewing the use of agricultural land and public land for wind and solar projects, land reclamation and the role of municipal governments in land selection for project development and review.

The inquiry will inform government policy decisions around the ongoing economic, orderly and efficient development of electricity generation in Alberta and will look at issues, including:

  • Development of power plants on specific types or classes of agricultural or environmental land.
  • The impact of power plant development on Alberta’s pristine viewscapes.
  • Mandatory reclamation security requirements for power plants.
  • Development of power plants on lands held by the Crown.
  • The impact of the increasing growth of renewables on Alberta’s generation supply mix and electricity system reliability.

Quick facts

  • The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency that is responsible for the approval of Alberta’s electricity generation projects.
  • The Government of Alberta does not determine when or where electrical generation facilities are to be built.
  • The AUC is currently reviewing 15 renewable, thermal and energy storage projects.
  • All utility-scale renewable generation projects in Alberta are commercially developed on private land only and can only advance with the permission of private landowners.

Source

Recommended Reading

CanREA: Alberta Market at Risk Without Swift Resolution to Moratorium

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Intralec Named New Sales Agency Partner for IDEAL Electrical in Central & Southwestern Ontario

    Intralec Named New Sales Agency Partner for IDEAL Electrical in Central & Southwestern Ontario

    July 7, 2025 Intralec Electrical Products is proud to announce our new partnership with IDEAL Electrical as their sales agency for the Central & Southwestern Ontario regions. As a Canadian manufacturer with over 60 years of experience producing quality products—many of which, like the Can-Twist wire connector and Yellow 77 lubricant, are made in Ajax,… Read More…

  • City of Winnipeg Continues to Improve Online Permits System

    City of Winnipeg Continues to Improve Online Permits System

    July 4, 2025 The City of Winnipeg has launched an improved Permits Online web portal. This upgrade aims to make the permit process more convenient for customers. Permits Online is a one-stop shop to manage the permit process. Now, the web portal is easier to use because customers can navigate it using their mobile device. The portal… Read More…

  • Schneider Electric Launches Chapter 3 of Sustainability School

    Schneider Electric Launches Chapter 3 of Sustainability School

    July 4, 2025 Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has launched Chapter 3 of its online Sustainability School, a free training program designed to empower its channel ecosystem partners to become leaders in sustainability. This chapter will focus on teaching businesses how to decarbonize and unlock the competitive… Read More…

  • United Chargers Launches Grizzl-E Club Charger-as-a-Service Subscription Model

    United Chargers Launches Grizzl-E Club Charger-as-a-Service Subscription Model

    July 4, 2025 United Chargers Inc., known for the Grizzl-E line of EV chargers, announces Grizzl-E Club, a first-of-its-kind charger as a service that provides a free EV Charger and pays drivers back for charging. Grizzl-E Club is designed to make EV ownership more rewarding, accessible, and future-ready. Beginning July 1st, Canadians can join the Grizzl-E… Read More…