Why Get Involved?

---

What the AER Oversees 

Projects connected to natural resources and underground development, including:

• Oil and gas wells
• Lithium and mineral projects
• Pipelines
• Processing facilities
• Injection or disposal wells
• Geothermal or subsurface energy projects

Main focus

• Safe resource development
• Environmental protection
• Land and groundwater impacts

How the public usually participates

• Submit a Statement of Concern if you believe you may be affected
• Participation is usually limited to nearby residents or landowners
• Reviews often happen in several technical stages

What to expect

• Technical review process
• Public hearings are less common
• Participation is often tied to proximity to the  project

What the AUC Oversees

Projects related to electricity and utilities, including:

• Power plants (natural gas, wind, solar, battery storage)
• Transmission lines
• Substations
• Large electricity infrastructure 

Main focus

• Electricity generation and reliability
• Utility infrastructure
• Public interest balancing costs, impacts, and need 

How the public usually participates

• Apply as an Intervenor or Observer
• Participation may be open to residents beyond the immediate area
• Public hearings are more common 

What to expect

• Tribunal-style review process
• Formal hearings may occur
• Broader public participation opportunities

Last Updated Apr 6/26

Synapse Data Center Reference AUC Proceeding #30732 

Synapse Has Reapplied – Now Under AUC Review

Synapse Data Center Inc. has reapplied for its proposed data centre project in Olds, and the project is now moving forward through the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) process.

This means the project is now under formal provincial review - and public participation is part of that process.

The proposed Synapse Data Centre and natural gas power plant near Olds is being reviewed by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).

Residents of Olds and other Mountain View County communities have opportunities to follow and take part in the review process. Participation can be as simple as staying informed and accessing information directly from the regulator.

What You Can Raise

Residents can provide input on:

· Water use and local supply

· Power demand and infrastructure

· Environmental and land-use impacts

· Noise, traffic, and community effects

· Cumulative / regional impacts

Important 

Deadlines can be short. If you are considering getting involved, register early to ensure your participation is accepted.

How to Participate

1. Review the Application

All application materials and filings are available through the AUC e-Filing system:
https://prd-start-efiling20.auc.ab.ca/

Once logged in, search: Proceeding 30732

2. Register as a Participant / Intervenor

To formally participate, you must:

· Create an eFiling account

· Submit a Statement of Intent to Participate (SIP) 

https://www.auc.ab.ca/participate-in-a-proceeding/

Inside e-Filing:

· Enter 30732

· Click “Register to Participate”

· Complete your submission 

3. Submit Your Input

All submissions (questions, concerns, evidence) are filed through the eFiling system and become part of the public record.

You don’t need to be technical — clearly explaining how the project affects you, your property, or your community is what matters most.

Note

If the link opens to a login page — that’s normal.

You must create an account to access and participate in AUC proceedings.

5. Why Staying Informed Matters
Staying informed does not mean taking sides. It helps residents:
· understand what is being proposed
· know what stage a project is in
· follow decisions that may affect the community

With multiple large-scale data centre proposals in the region, this process is one of the primary ways residents can ensure local and cumulative impacts are fully considered.

Good information helps everyone have better conversations.

Synapse Data Center Reference AUC Proceeding #30625 

* Source: AUC — Participate in a Proceeding

https://www.auc.ab.ca/participate-in-a-proceeding/

Feb 22/26 

E3 Clearwater Project AER Application Number: 1960290 

The proposed E3 Lithium central processing facility for its Clearwater lithium project applications are under review by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER),   

What residents in the affected area can do

If you live, farm, or own property near the proposed E3 Lithium project area (Located on Hwy 791 between the Hwy 582 & Hwy 27 ), you may have formal participation rights through the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER).

The AER does not define a fixed boundary. Participation depends on whether you may be directly and adversely affected by a project.

You may qualify if the project could impact:

• your property or nearby land
• groundwater or surface water
• noise, lighting, or traffic
• farming operations or land use
• air emissions or nearby industrial activity

1. Watch for Application Notices

Applications are posted on the AER Public Notice of Application (PNOA) system.
These notices open a limited window (often about 30 days) for public input.

2️. File a Statement of Concern

A Statement of Concern (SOC) is the main way residents participate in an AER review.

You may submit one if you believe the project could affect you personally. Include:

• who you are and where you live
• your proximity to the project
• how you may be affected
• questions or concerns you want reviewed
• 
  

How to File

• Go to: https://www.aer.ca/applications-and-notices
• Search project name or Application No.  1960290
• Open the project notice and follow the link to Submit a Statement of Concern.

Your submission becomes part of the official regulatory record.

3. Participate in consultation

Project developers must consult with nearby stakeholders. You can:

• ask questions directly
• request meetings or clarification
• share local knowledge about land or water use
• keep records of communication

Early participation often has the greatest influence.

4. Attend public information sessions

Open houses or community meetings may be held during permitting stages. These allow residents to:

• hear project details directly
• ask questions
• understand timelines and next steps

What Anyone Can Do

Even if you do not live next to the project, you can still stay informed. Review public applications, decisions, and technical reports. Follow regulatory updates. Monitor:

• AER application postings
• approval decisions
• project amendments or changes

Participate locally

Share feedback during consultations or through municipal processes and elected representatives.

Helping others access public, verifiable sources supports informed discussion.

Why participation matters

Regulators consider both technical studies and local knowledge, including:

• farming practices
• drainage and groundwater conditions
• rural traffic patterns
• community impacts not always shown in reports

 E3 Clearwater Project AER Application Number: 1960290 

 * Source: Alberta Energy Regulator — Applications & Notices (Participant Involvement) https://www.aer.ca/applications-and-notices