Last update: October 10, 2023
Smoky Lake County is aware of a proposed Solar Project in the Vilna area. More information should be found from the proponent here: www.vilnasolar.com.
In June 2023, and anticipating of future Major Solar Projects, Smoky Lake County adopted Bylaw 1436-23, which amended Land Use Bylaw (LUB) 1272-14 and Municipal Development Plan 1249-12 with the intent of providing for the County to be a robust participant in the approvals process, which under the Municipal Government Act, is ultimately tasked to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).
In September 2023, the Province of Alberta instituted a 7-month moratorium on AUC approvals of alternative energy projects: https://calgary.ctvnews.ca/alberta-utilities-commission-says-it-will-still-process-applications-during-renewables-moratorium-1.6531704
In early October 2023, the County received the following information from the Vilna Solar Project proponent:
FAQs
Who is the AUC?
The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) is a quasi judicial independent agency established by the Government of Alberta, responsible to ensure that the delivery of Alberta’s utility service takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public interest.
They regulate investor owned natural gas, electric and water utilities, and certain municipally-owned electric utilities to protect social, economic and environmental interests of Alberta where competitive market forces do not. For more information visit www.auc.ab.ca.
