Q & A with AUC about its May 21 info session regarding Synapse Data Center Power Plant Project

Alberta’s independent utilities regulator is holding an information session in Olds this month.

The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) is hosting it at the Pomeroy Inn & Suites in Centennial Room B and C on Thursday, May 21st at 5:30pm. It is part of the process which will involve a hearing to review the application and submissions received to consider the power plant development application in Proceeding 30732. According to the AUC, the Synapse Real Estate Corp “has filed an application for a 1,400-megawatt natural gas-fired power plant with 1,800 megawatts of emergency backup diesel generation to power a data centre in the Town of Olds.”

96.5 The Ranch asked Lauren Aspden, Senior Communications Advisor with AUC, the following questions about the information session and the process going forward.

1. Do people need to sign up in advance to attend the information session in Olds on May 21st and how do they go about doing that? Or can they just show up?
   No. The information session is open to the public and people can attend in person without registering in advance.
2. What will be presented that night?
   AUC staff will provide an overview of the process for Proceeding 30732, including: how to become involved (e.g., filing a statement of intent to participate), what participation options may be available, and information about participant funding that may be available to support participation (for example, for legal representation or expert evidence). A powerpoint presentation explaining the process will be shown, and that presentation will be available on the public record of the proceeding afterward.
3. What will not be discussed that night?
   The project and its merits will not be discussed. The information session is not a hearing and AUC staff will not be taking evidence or making findings about the application at the session. The decision-makers on the application will not be present, only AUC staff.
4. Will there be a question and answer period for the public to participate in that night?
   Yes. Attendees will be able to ask questions about the AUC process, how to participate, and participant funding. Questions about the project itself (including support/opposition or specific technical merits) are not part of the information session.
5. What does SIPS stand for and when do people have to register by to get involved in this process for this Synapse power plant development application?
   SIPS stands for Statement of Intent to Participate. People who wish to formally participate in Proceeding 30732 must file a SIP through the AUC’s eFiling System by May 29, 2026, as specified in the notice of hearing.
6. Anything else that you would like the public to know or think is important that we mention at this time?
   All documents and updates for the proceeding are posted on the public record in the AUC’s eFiling System, and key notices (including the notice of hearing) are also posted on the AUC website. Even if you don’t participate in the proceeding, you can sign up to “observe” (receive email notifications) when documents are filed on the record.

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