Rule 024: Rules Respecting Microgeneration

The AUC is launching a written consultation as part of its review of Rule 024: Rules Respecting Micro-Generation, associated AUC forms and the Micro-generation notice submission guideline. 

This review is driven primarily by discussions with participants in the micro-generation market, including solar developers, solar advocacy groups and utilities, which have suggested that elements of the micro-generation framework would benefit from updates. This has included concerns about micro-generation application processing timelines and the lack of a standardized approach to the determination of appropriate micro-generation unit sizing. 

Micro-generation unit sizing and processing delays 

According to the Micro-Generation Regulation, a micro-generation unit “is intended to meet all or a portion of the customer’s total annual energy consumption at the customer’s site or aggregated sites” (Section 1(h)(ii)). However, under the Micro-generation Regulation and Rule 024, there exists only limited information requirements applicable to the calculation of a customer’s total annual energy consumption or the rating of a proposed micro-generation unit.  

Further, due to a large increase in the number of submitted micro-generation applications, utilities may experience challenges with approving all micro-generation applications in a timely fashion. It is apparent that a degree of standardized information requirements, as well as the examination of existing processes, is likely needed to address concerns and promote efficiency. 

Written consultation  

The AUC has established a written process to gather input and feedback on the following topics:  

• Specification of information requirements to be used in the assessment of micro-generation system sizing determination. 
• Exploration of an initial sizing phase prior to a full micro-generation application being submitted. 
• Establishment of a process to ensure that technical requirements (primarily inverters) are updated in AUC materials as required. 
• Identification of any additional priority items that stakeholders would like to raise for future consideration. 

Additionally, the Commission understands that there are instances where a micro-generation application is approved, but then the customer’s forecasted annual consumption increase does not materialize or subsequently falls below the qualifying requirements. The Commission is interested in hearing more from stakeholders about these concerns and post-approval compliance options. 

The deadline for submissions is June 26, 2025. 

Next steps 

Parties interested in participating in the consultation are required to download the submission questionnaire and submit their responses to engage@auc.ab.ca.  

After the above topics have been considered, the AUC will prepare a draft blackline version of Rule 024 and associated documentation and will post them to the left side of this page, under consultation documents, for written feedback.  

Any questions related to this bulletin may be directed to Laura Frank at laura.frank@auc.ab.ca or 403-592-4381. 

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