July 2012 Volume 1
Electric system improvements near you Fidler Substation and Transmission Line
Did you know? Alberta is an importer of electricity. In 2011, Alberta imported nearly thirty times the amount of power it exported. Alberta depends on its transmission connections with British Columbia and Saskatchewan to meet its demand for electricity.
You are receiving this newsletter because you are near the proposed Fidler Substation and Transmission Line project in the Pincher Creek area and we want your input. AltaLink began public consultation for this project in November 2009. We suspended work in December 2011 and waited for further direction from the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO). We recently received direction from the AESO to resume work on the project and are continuing public consultation.
Definition
Alberta Electric System Operator The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the provincial transmission grid.
Based on input received during previous public consultation we have identified preferred and alternate routes. We want your input about these routes to help us identify the lowest overall impact route. We want to provide you with: • project details • preferred and alternate route information • information about how you can provide your input • project schedule • maps of the proposed development
CONTACT US 1-877-269-5903 (toll-free) stakeholderrelations@altalink.ca Visit us online at www.altalink.ca/projects
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ALTERNATE FIDLER SUBSTATION SITE A
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Definition
Transmission Transmission lines make up Alberta’s electric highway, linking the places where power is generated to where power is used. Transmission lines transport large amounts of power over long distances across the province. The transmission system connects diverse sources of power generation including wind, high-efficiency coal, natural gas and more. Definition
Transformer Transformers step down the voltage in a substation so power can be distributed safely to your community through distribution lines. Transformers also step up the voltage so power can be transmitted through transmission lines.
" PREFERRED PincherCreek FIDLER ""SUBSTATION SITE B
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Oldman Reservoir
138 kV Trans
Approved Windy Point Substation Site
Proposed Re 138 kV Trans
Existing Substation
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240 kV Fidler Double Circuit Preferred Route
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LEGENDSUBSTATION
240 kV Fidler Double Circuit Alternate Route
SUBSTATION SITE A
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138 kV Transmission Line
Approved Windy Point 3 Site Substation
Proposed Rebuild Of 138 kV Transmission Line
Existing Substation
Existing Transmission Line
240 kV Fidler Double Circuit Preferred Route
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240 kV Fidler Double Circuit Alternate Route
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Urban Area Water Body
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PINCHER CREEK
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138 kV Transmission Line Proposed Rebuild Of
138 kV Transmission Line Substation Site This proposed project, if approved, will be completed in two stages. Existing Substation Existing Transmission Line " The second stage will begin after stage one is in-service and more wind 240 kV Fidler Double Circuit Road Preferred generation isRoute developed in the area. The project includes: Urban Area 240 kV Fidler Double Circuit
StageAlternate one Route
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• building a new substation, to be called Fidler Substation • building approximately five to nine kilometres (three to five miles) of new double circuit 240 kv (240,000 volts) transmission line from the proposed Fidler Substation to the 1071L transmission line • building approximately 1.6 kilometres (one mile) of new double circuit 138 kV transmission line • rebuilding approximately five kilometres (three miles) of single circuit 138 kV transmission line Stage TWo
• salvaging the existing 893L 138 kV transmission line from the Oldman Dam to the Goose Lake Substation • adding a second transformer to the proposed Fidler Substation
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LEGEND
Circuit
A circuit is a group of wires that electricity flows through. The wires are strung along power line structures. Transmission line structures can be described as single or double circuit. In a single circuit transmission line, three single or bundled wires are strung along the transmission structures. A double circuit transmission line has six single or bundled wires strung along the structures.
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Definition
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Urban Area Water Body
Structure details
Definition
Right-of-way
A double circuit 240 kV steel lattice transmission structure is shown on the right.
The right-of-way is a strip of land required for the construction and safe operation of a transmission line. A right-of-way refers to the physical space a transmission line encompasses including areas on either side of the line. The majority of the right-of-way can still be used by the landowner. Buildings cannot be placed on the right-of-way.
A typical structure will have a: • height of 44 to 60 metres (147 to 197 feet) • width of 22 to 24 metres (72 to 79 feet) at the widest arm • base of 10 by 10 metres (32 by 32 feet), up to 14 by 14 metres (46 by 46 feet) • distance between structures averaging 365 metres (1,198 feet) • a right-of-way width of 60 metres (197 feet)
Typical 240 kV double circuit steel lattice transmission structure similar to the proposed.
A double circuit 138 kV transmission structure is shown on the right. A typical structure will have a: • height of 22 to 26 metres (72 to 85 feet) • width of eight metres (26 feet) at the widest arm • base of one metre (three feet) • distance between structures averaging 140 metres (460 feet) • a right-of-way width of approximately 20 metres (65 feet), if not located in a road allowance
Typical double circuit 138 kV transmission structure similar to the proposed.
A single circuit 138 kV transmission structure is shown on the right. A typical structure will have a: • height of 17 to 24 metres (55 to 78 feet) • width of five metres (16 feet) at the widest arm • base of one metre (three feet) • distance between structures averaging 120 to 140 metres (393 to 460 feet) • a right-of-way width of approximately 20 metres (65 feet), if not located in a road allowance Typical 138 kV single circuit transmission structure similar to the proposed.
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Definition
Substation Substations are the connection points between power lines of varying voltages and contain equipment that control and protect the flow of power. Substations include transformers that step down and step up the voltage so power can be transmitted through transmission lines or distributed to your community through distribution lines. Definition
Alberta Utilities Commission The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) ensures the fair and responsible delivery of Alberta’s utility services. AltaLink submits applications for new transmission projects to the AUC and the AUC reviews them in a public process.
Substation We have determined preferred and alternate locations for the proposed Fidler Substation. Both locations are shown on the attached map. Preliminary engineering work indicates that the fenced area for this substation will be approximately 140 by 145 metres (450 by 470 feet) for the preferred and approximately 140 by 170 metres (450 by 540 feet) for the alternate.
How to provide your input Your input is important to us. You can provide input in any of the following ways. Participate in a one-on-one consultation
We will contact all occupants, residents and landowners who are on or directly adjacent to the project to gather input through one-on-one consultations. During the one-on-one process we will document the information you provide and respond to any questions or concerns you may have about the project. AltaLink is committed to sharing information about its projects and working with the public to gather and respond to your input and concerns. A summary of these comments will be incorporated into the application we submit to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). Contact us directly
You can contact us by telephone, email, mail or through our website. Our contact information is on the front and back pages of this newsletter.
Have you already completed a one-onone consultation? You may have previously completed a consultation with us regarding this project. If you have no further concerns you would like addressed, please let us know and we will use your original consultation as we move forward. If you do have further concerns, we will be happy to meet with you for a one-on-one consultation.
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Routes and substation sites selection When identifying route and substation site options, AltaLink takes several factors into consideration in an effort to find routes or sites with the lowest overall impact. Some of the factors we take into consideration include: • agricultural • residential • environmental • electrical • cost • visual • special considerations During previous public consultation for this project, we received valuable stakeholder input about the preliminary route options. We used the stakeholder input we gathered and the results from studies and field work to refine the preliminary route options to preferred and alternate routes.
OUR TRANSMISSION LINES TRANSPORT THE POWER YOU USE EVERY DAY AltaLink’s transmission system efficiently delivers electricity to 85% of Albertans. Dedicated to meeting the growing need for electricity, AltaLink connects Albertans to renewable, reliable and low-cost power. With a commitment to community and environment, AltaLink is ensuring the transmission system will support Albertans’ quality of life for years to come. Learn more at www.altalink.ca.
Preferred route
AltaLink believes the preferred route has the lowest overall impact. The preferred route: •
has the lowest amount of residences within 800 metres (2,624 feet)
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has no residences within 150 metres (492 feet)
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avoids crossing the Oldman Dam Provincial Recreational Area
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parallels an existing distribution line at the Oldman River crossing
Alternate route
The alternate route: •
is shorter in length compared to the preferred
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has no residences within 150 metres (492 feet)
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minimizes the need for vegetation removal
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parallels existing linear infrastructure at the Oldman River crossing
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Definition
Facilities Applications AltaLink submits Facilities Applications to the AUC for review. A Facilities Application describes how AltaLink proposes to meet the requirements for a transmission project. It includes routing details, results of the participant involvement program and technical details. Facilities Applications must be approved by the AUC before construction can begin.
The AESO determined this transmission system development is needed and will file a Needs Application with the AUC. After our consultation process is complete we will file a Facilities Application with the AUC. The AUC will review both the Needs Application and the Facilities Application at the same time through a process in which stakeholders can participate.
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Next steps After this stage of consultation, we will use the input gathered to make any further adjustments to our routing. After our consultation process is complete, we will file a Facilities Application with the AUC. The AUC will review our application through a process in which you can participate. To learn more about the AUC process and how you can become involved, please refer to the brochure included in this package titled Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities Applications.
Project schedule AltaLink will communicate and consult with stakeholders throughout the project steps listed below. Notify and consult with stakeholders File application with AUC Start construction if project is approved
Summer 2012 Fall 2012 Fall 2013
Although we attempt to follow the anticipated project schedule it is subject to change. We will continue to provide you with updated schedule information as the project progresses.
AltaLink projects in the area AltaLink is working on several projects in the area to make sure your lights come on at the flick of the switch. Project name
Description
Status
Castle Rock Ridge Wind Farm Connection
A new substation, called Castle Rock Ridge Substation, and a new 240 kV transmission line between the Goose Lake and Castle Rock Ridge substations.
Construction complete
Riverview Wind Power Facility Interconnection
Upgrades to the existing Castle Rock Ridge Substation and connecting the ENEL Riverview Substation to AltaLink’s Castle Rock Ridge Substation.
Notification/ Consultation underway
Highway 785 Wind Power Facility Interconnection
A new switching station and 150 metres (492 feet) of 240 kV transmission line.
Notification/ Consultation underway
Transmission Line to Chapel Rock (previously known as Fidler to Chapel Rock Transmission Project)
Approximately 50 kilometres (31 miles) of new 240 kV transmission line and a new substation.
Awaiting further direction from the AESO
Oldman Wind Farm Interconnection
Approximately 50 metres (164 feet) of 138 kV transmission line.
Application filed
Did you know? A reliable transmission system keeps costs low by connecting diverse sources of power generation to the grid. Transmission costs make up about 10% of the average residential utility bill. Generation costs – the cost of actually creating power – make up the largest portion of a bill, at more than 50%. The transmission system always hooks up the lowest priced generator to the grid first, so generators compete to provide Albertans with cost-effective electricity.
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Included in this Information Package: • •
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Project maps AltaLink brochure: A Dialogue on Electric & Magnetic Fields AltaLink brochure: Good Neighbours AUC brochure: Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities Applications
More information To learn more about the proposed project, please contact: AltaLink 1-877-269-5903 (toll-free) Email: stakeholderrelations@altalink.ca To learn more about Alberta’s electric system and the need for the project, please contact: Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) 1-888-866-2959 (toll-free) Email: stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca 2611 - 3rd Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2A 7W7
Let’s talk transmission
To learn more about the application and review process, please contact: Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) 780-427-4903 (You can call toll-free by dialing 310-0000 before the number). Email: consumer-relations@auc.ab.ca
www.facebook.com/ altalinktransmission www.twitter.com/altalink
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