Solar Power Plants in the County of Stettler

As of February 1, 2026, two proposals for the development of solar power plants on properties within the County of Stettler have been reviewed and approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC).

One approval is for the Stettler Solar Project, put forward by ABO Energy Canada Ltd., on one and a half quarter sections of land on the south side of Township Road 38-4 one mile east of Highway 56. The proposed plant would have a capacity to generate 25 megawatts (MW) of electricity and battery storage for 9.6 MW. Details can be found on their project website at www.stettlersolar.com. 
The site plan can be viewed here: STETTLER SOLAR SITE PLAN.

The second approval is for the Red Willow Solar and Energy Storage Project, proposed by Westbridge Renewable Energy Corporation. This project encompasses the majority of thirteen (13) quarter sections along the south side of Highway 601 to the east of the Hamlet of Red Willow. It would have a capacity of 225 megawatts (MW) and battery storage for 100 MW. More details can be found on their website at www.westbridge.energy/red-willow/.
The site plan can be viewed here: RED WILLOW SITE PLAN.

Provincial Approval Process

The approval of the size and location of proposed commercial scale solar power plants rests with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). Proponents are expected to complete landowner and public consultation and a list of studies of potential impacts to submit to the AUC. The AUC process affords an affected party the ability to express concerns and participate in a hearing to address concerns. More details about this process are available at www.auc.ab.ca or by contacting the AUC at 403-592-4500 or info@auc.ab.ca.

Stettler Solar and Storage Project

An AUC Hearing was held for the Stettler Solar and Storage Project between June 16 and August 15, 2025. This gave the County of Stettler the opportunity to express views on the significant change in land use and on issues like weed and vegetation management, farmland impacts, road impacts during construction, visual appearance on the land and similar land use planning matters. 
The County of Stettler made a submission to the AUC regarding the project, and that submission can be viewed here: County Submission to the AUC regarding Stettler Solar and Storage Project

A decision was issued by the AUC on October 27, 2025 approving the Stettler Solar and Storage Project. The decision of the AUC can be viewed here: Approval – Stettler Solar
and the AUC report outlining their reasons and how various issues were considered and addressed can be viewed here: Decision Report – Stettler Solar

Red Willow Solar and Energy Storage Project

An AUC Hearing was held for the Red Willow Solar and Energy Storage Project was held between October 14 and October 17, 2025. This gave the County the opportunity to express views on the significant change in land use and on issues like weed and vegetation management, farmland impacts, road impacts during construction, visual appearance on the land and similar land use planning matters. The County of Stettler made a submission regarding the project and that submission can be viewed here: County Submission for Proceeding 29258

A decision was issued by the AUC on January 23, 2026 approving the Red Willow Solar and Energy Storage Project. The decision of the AUC can be viewed here: Approval – Red Willow,  and the AUC report outlining their reasons and how various issues were considered and addressed can be viewed here: Decision Report – Red Willow.

County’s Role in Approvals

Provincial planning legislation allows the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to approve large scale solar power projects. The same legislation requires the project proponent to obtain a local planning approval from the County. The County’s approval cannot override or conflict with the approval of the AUC.

As the local planning authority, the County of Stettler will consider development permit applications for each proposed project now that they have obtained their approval from the AUC. The County approval comes second so that the development permit conditions can be consistent with the AUC approval. This is a requirement of Provincial planning legislation. The County’s decision can not set aside the AUC decision nor can it make it impossible for the proponent to meet the requirements of both the AUC and the County.

What’s Next?

As of February 1, 2026, the County has not received a formal development permit application for either project. Applications are expected sometime in 2026. Once received, this page will be updated.

For more information about the County’s role in the approval of solar power plants, please contact Craig Teal, RPP MCIP, at 403 742 4441 ext. 119 or cteal@stettlercounty.ca.