The interim room is gone. The permanent rules are still being written
The Alberta Electric System Operator has posted that Phase 1 of the Large Load Integration program is complete. All 1,200 megawatts of the interim connection limit were allocated: 970 megawatts to GLDC Load and 230 megawatts to Keephills Data Centre Phase I. Everything else, including extra megawatts on those same projects, waits for Phase 2.
Phase 2 is the long-term framework. The AESO says it covers connections, planning, operations, markets, tariff, and reliability for large loads, including data centres. The operator has published a Guide to AESO Connection Requirements for Transmission-Connected Data Centres and is running a Phase 2A bring-your-own-generation process on AESO Engage.
Alberta's Data Centre Regulation, AR 117/2026, has been in force since June 9, 2026, under the Electric Utilities Act. The province says projects that pair demand with dedicated new generation or storage go to the front of the connection line. Projects that do not bring their own power wait longer. Alberta.ca says the 1,200-megawatt interim room is now fully taken and that Phase 2 will set how the connection list is managed and what large customers contribute.
This is process paper. It does not add 2026 AESO pool megawatts and it does not sanction a new plant.