Alberta's Electricity Policy Framework: Competitive-Reliable-Sustainable   - June 2005.
Alberta's competitive electricity market framework has been successful to date. The government remains committed to a competitive wholesale market model, to a safe, reliable and competitively-priced supply of electricity for Albertans, and to the opportunity for individual Albertans to make electricity purchasing decisions.

In early 2004, the Department began a process with stakeholders to review Alberta's competitive market framework. A Wholesale Market Policy Task Force (WMPTF) was established to ensure that the review would have broad stakeholder consultation and input. A separate process was established to consider issues specific to the competitive retail market. These two processed worked in concert during most of 2004 and to this point in 2005.

After extensive consultation with stakeholders, a final policy paper has been released which outlines a policy framework which addresses, among other things:
design of the regulated rate option (RRO) post July 1, 2006
short-term adequacy / long-term adequacy
other inter-related market issues

Government anticipated the need for transmission upgrades and the Transmission Development Policy   and the subsequent Transmission Regulation  were developed, with extensive consultation with stakeholders - including consumer groups, to ensure Albertans, today and tomorrow, continue to receive reliable, competitive and economic power. The policy and Regulation are being viewed as providing a forward-looking and progressive solution to problems faced by many jurisdictions, including the costs to consumers of a constrained transmission system - costs which far outweigh the investment required to keep the grid healthy.

Transmission Development Policy   - December 2003
The Alberta government is committed to ensuring that Alberta's electricity system continues to provide safe and reliable transmission service. To meet the needs of the province's growing population and flourishing economy, it is necessary to encourage timely, cost-efficient investment in transmission infrastructure, the backbone of the electricity system.

Western Governors Association (Transmission Siting Protocol)  - April 2004
On April 15, 2004, an addendum to the Western Governors' 2002 Transmission Siting Protocol was signed. The Protocol gives Alberta the opportunity to share information about electricity transmission development with neighbouring jurisdictions.

Western Governors Association (Addendum to Transmission Siting Protocol)  - April 2004

Industrial Systems Policy Statement - June 1997
The purpose of the Industrial Systems Policy Statement is to clarify the definition of industrial systems, and the policy objectives and implications of exempting such systems from the Electric Utilities Act (EUA).