Gillian Barnett

Vice President, Law and Customer Projects, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at AESO

Speaker

Gillian Barnett was appointed Vice President Law, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for the Alberta Electric System Operator in April 2024. In November 2025, Gillian additionally assumed responsibility for Customer Projects. She is responsible for leadership of the AESO’s legal, regulatory, governance, interjurisdictional affairs, and customer connection portfolios.

Ms. Barnett joined the AESO in 2014 and has acted as counsel to the AESO on several significant regulatory proceedings. She has held multiple leadership roles, serving most recently as Director, Legal and Regulatory Affairs (Markets & Operations).

Ms. Barnett has over 16 years of experience as counsel in the energy and electricity sectors. Prior to joining the AESO, Ms. Barnett practiced commercial litigation with a major Canadian law firm, focusing on energy, regulatory and Indigenous matters.

Ms. Barnett holds a B.A. in Political Studies from Queen’s University and an L.L.B. from the University of Victoria. She completed her Governance Professionals of Canada designation (GPC.D) in 2023 and is a Member of the Law Society of Alberta.