RMA and CanREA Seek Intervener Funding to Develop Reports for AUC Electricity Generation Inquiry

Source: | · RURAL MUNICIPALITIES OF ALBERTA · | September 29, 2023

The RMA and the Canadian Renewable Energy Association (CanREA) have jointly submitted a request to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for intervener funding related to the current AUC inquiry into the electricity generation projects. The inquiry, announced in early August, will review the following:

• The use of agricultural land and public land for wind and solar projects and land reclamation.

• The role of municipal governments in land selection for project development and review.

• Development of power plants on specific types or classes of agricultural and environmental land.

• The impact of power plant development on Alberta’s pristine viewscapes.

• Mandatory reclamation security requirements for power plants.

• Development of power plans on lands held by the Crown.

• The impact of the increasing growth of renewables on Alberta’s generation supply mix and electricity system reliability.

Under AUC Rule 022, eligible interveners may apply for cost recovery related to participation in AUC inquiries and hearings. This includes undertaking research on issues related to the scope of the inquiry or hearing. Because the inquiry and related outcomes could have significant impacts on both the renewable energy industry and rural municipalities, the RMA and CanREA are jointly seeking intervener funding to conduct reports related to renewable energy reclamation requirements and the preservation of agricultural land.