The AUC Denies McCain’s and Coaldale Renewables’ Application to Self-Generate Power

Despite their efforts, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has denied McCain’s and Coaldale Renewables’ application to self-generate power. The reason cited was that the solar and wind project was spread over several “non-contiguous” properties due to a railway line, Highway 3, and a rural road. This would mean that the electricity produced would need to be sold to the provincial power grid, rather than consumed solely on the property it was generated on.

Implications of the Decision

This decision by the AUC has significant implications for McCain and Coaldale Renewables. It means that they will not be able to use the power generated by their solar and wind project for their own consumption, as originally intended. Instead, they will have to sell it to the provincial power grid, which could impact their financial plans and overall project goals.

Challenges Faced

The main challenge faced by McCain and Coaldale Renewables was the non-contiguous nature of their project, which made it difficult for the AUC to approve their application for self-generation. The presence of a railway line, Highway 3, and a rural road meant that the electricity produced would need to be distributed elsewhere, rather than being used on-site.

Next Steps

Despite this setback, McCain and Coaldale Renewables may have the option to appeal the AUC’s decision or explore alternative solutions for their energy needs. They could potentially look into ways to reconfigure their project to meet the AUC’s requirements or consider other avenues for self-generation.