Retailers or self-retailers intending to provide electricity services to customers within ATCO Electric's Service Territory must apply for distribution access service.  There are a number of key industry links that define the responsibilities of all participants.  Prospective retailers are encouraged to visit those links to review the information before applying for distribution access service.  Please see below:

Industry Links & Documents

Links

• Government of Alberta Customer Choice Website

• Alberta Electric System Operator

Documents

• Settlement System Code

Qualification Process

The responsibilities of a retailer and the pertinent forms, documents and agreements can be found in the retailer Terms & Conditions.  Further information can be found in the Retailer Guide and in the Summary of Agreements page.  Please note that with the exception of the Agency Appointment Agreement, all other agreements reside in these documents for information purposes only.  Retailers are encouraged to review both documents. 

ATCO Electric requires reasonable time to process applications, perform a credit review, compliance test, and make system changes for enrollment. Typically, a minimum of 10 business days is required to complete the process after we are notified.

Contact Information

Steps to Qualify

1. Retailer notifies ATCO Electric
   The retailer sends ATCO Electric a Letter of Intent stating that they are applying for distribution access service as a retailer or self-retailer.

2. ATCO Electric acknowledges that the letter has been received.
   ATCO Electric  acknowledges via email, the receipt of the letter of intent and states that they will proceed with the qualification process.  

3. Retailer provides completed Retailer of Record Form & Credit Application.
   The retailer returns the Retailer of Record Form & Credit Application in electronic form via email.  The contact information that the retailer provides within the Retailer of Record Form will be used to populate the required agreements.  With that in mind, it is important that the information is accurate and complete. (E.g. Legal company name, correct addresses, contact names and phone numbers.)

4. Retailer returns signed Agency Appointment Agreement (if applicable). 
   The retailer returns  Agency Appointment Agreement if an agent will be used to perform compliance testing, enrollment and other functions described in the Settlement System Code.

5. ATCO Electric arranges compliance testing.
   ATCO Electric will notify the agent (if an agent is appointed) or the retailer (if no agent is appointed) and arrange Compliance Testing of the Settlement System Code transactions with the retailer or agent.  The agent or retailer must have purchased and installed DropChute communications software and a "class 1" digital certificate before testing can be arranged.  

Component	Version/Type	Updated
DropChute Comm. Software	Enterprise or Pro V3.02	May 15, 2001
Digital Certificate	Class 1	May 15, 2001

6. ATCO Electric notifies retailer of compliance testing results.
   ATCO Electric will notify the retailer of the test results and determine whether further testing is required. 

7. ATCO Electric sends populated agreements to the retailer.
   ATCO Electric sends two hardcopies of all retailer agreements to the retailer for review and signing.  Please note that some agreements are required and some are optional. Please see the Summary of Agreements page.

8. Retailer returns applicable agreements.
   The retailer signs both copies of applicable agreements and returns both copies.  

9. ATCO Electric notifies retailer of 75 day wires prudential requirements.
   ATCO Electric calculates the retailer's prudential requirements using historical customer data or information provided by the retailer pertaining to load and estimated customer base.  The calculations reside within an Excel spreadsheet which is sent to the retailer for review.

10. Retailer provides adequate security.
    The retailer provides security in a form acceptable as described in the Retailer Terms & Conditions and Customer Choice Guide.  See also Letter of Credit Bank Standard & Parental Guarantee Standard formats.  All correspondence related to credit and prudential matters should be directed to Raymond Letendre.

11. Retailer provides a warranted letter.
    The retailer warrants in writing that they will comply with the Fair Trade Act, will comply with the Settlement System Code and have been qualified with the Power Pool of Alberta as a Retailer or Self-Retailer. This communication may be provided on the retailer's company letterhead either electronically or in hardcopy.  Please see Sample Warranted Letter.

12. Retailer provides proof of Power Pool of Alberta approval.
    The retailer provides proof that they have been qualified by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) as a retailer or self-retailer. Most applicants provide a copy of a letter from AESO that says just that.

13. ATCO Electric notifies retailer that they have qualified and can commence enrollments.
    The retailer and agent (if applicable) will be notified that the retailer has been granted distribution access service and can commence enrollments.