In December 2020, the AUC approved the Electricity Distribution and Natural Gas Distribution requests to defer the compulsory distribution rate increases which would normally come into effect on January 1, 2021 for both businesses. The rate relief was requested to defer significant distribution rate increases which would be passed onto end use customers due to the formulaic approach of rate calculations under the AUC PBR mechanism. Electricity Distribution and Natural Gas Distribution cited the current economic situation in Alberta, including the hardships faced by some end use customers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as rationale to proceed with these interim rates. Electricity Distribution and Natural Gas Distribution are to file an application by March 1, 2021, outlining the duration of the rate freeze and collection timelines, expected deferral values including carrying costs and anticipated impacts to customers.