North Foothills Transmission Project - Open House Booklet (Nov 2011)

Welcome North Foothills Transmission Project Open Houses

November 2011

Did you Know?

Electricity consumption in Calgary and the communities south and east of Calgary is expected to increase by approximately 30 per cent in the next decade.

Source: Alberta Electric System Operator

Your input is important to us.

Electricity at a Glance GENERATION Generation ATCO Power

Generating facilities convert various forms of energy into electric power.

Transmission

Transmission lines connect the power produced at generating facilities to substations.

Substations

Substations are the connection points between transmission and distribution systems.

Distribution

Distribution lines carry electricity to homes, farms and businesses.

Retailers

Retailers give consu mers a choice of electricity service providers.

Y ou

Electricity is delivered to homes, farms and businesses.

Generating facilities convert ATCOTransAlta Power various forms of energy into TransAlta Capital Power Corporation Generating GENERATION electric power.

ENMAX Energy facilities convert Capital ATCOPower Power Corporation Generating Wind turbines GENERATION various forms of TransAlta ENMAX Energy Generating facilities convert Cogeneration plants GENERATION ATCO Power energy into Capital Power Corporation facilities convert Wind turbines various forms of ATCO Power TransAlta electric power.

ENMAX Energy various forms of energy into Generating Transmission Cogeneration plants TransAlta Capital Power Corporation GENERATION TRANSMISSION Wind turbines energy into the electric power. facilities convert lines connect Capital Power Corporation ENMAX Energy ATCO Power AltaLink Cogeneration plants electricproduced power.of various forms power ENMAX Energy Wind turbines TransAlta ATCO Electric Generating energy into at generating Wind turbines Cogeneration plants GENERATION Capital Power Corporation ENMAX Power (Calgary) Transmission TRANSMISSION facilities convert electric power. facilities to Cogeneration plants ATCO Power ENMAX Energy EPCOR (Edmonton) lines connect AltaLink various formsthe of substations.

TransAlta Transmission AltaLink Wind turbines TRANSMISSION power produced ATCO Electric energy into Transmission Capital Power Corporation lines connect the Cogeneration plants TRANSMISSION AltaLink ATCO Electric at generating ENMAX Power (Calgary) electric power.

Substations are lines connect ENMAX Energy power produced SUBSTATION AltaLink ATCO Electric facilities tothe ENMAX Power (Calgary) EPCOR (Edmonton) the connection power produced Wind turbines at generating AltaLink Transmission ATCO Electric ENMAX Power (Calgary) substations.

TRANSMISSION points between EPCOR (Edmonton) at generating Cogeneration plants facilities tothe ATCO Electric lines connect ENMAX Power (Calgary) EPCOR (Edmonton) AltaLink transmission and facilities to substations.

ENMAX Power (Calgary) power produced Substations are EPCOR (Edmonton) ATCO Electric SUBSTATION distribution substations.

Transmission EPCOR (Edmonton) at generating the connection TRANSMISSION ENMAX Power (Calgary) AltaLink systems.

Substations lines connect the facilities toare SUBSTATION points between AltaLink EPCOR (Edmonton) ATCO Electric Substations are the connection power produced substations.

SUBSTATION AltaLink transmission and ATCO Electric ENMAX Power (Calgary) AltaLink Distribution lines the connection points between at generating DISTRIBUTION AltaLink ATCO Electric distribution ENMAX Power (Calgary) EPCOR (Edmonton) carry electricity points between transmission and Substations are facilities to ATCO Electric FortisAlberta ATCO Electric ENMAX Power (Calgary) systems.

SUBSTATION EPCOR (Edmonton) tosubstations. homes, farms transmission and distribution connection ATCO Electric ENMAX Power (Calgary) EPCOR (Edmonton) AltaLink ENMAX Power (Calgary) the and businesses. distribution systems. points between ENMAX Power (Calgary) EPCOR (Edmonton) Distribution lines ATCO Electric DISTRIBUTION EPCOR (Edmonton) systems. are Substations transmission and EPCOR (Edmonton) SUBSTATION carry electricity ENMAX Power (Calgary) FortisAlberta the connection Distribution lines distribution Rural Electrification AltaLink DISTRIBUTION to homes, farms EPCOR ATCO(Edmonton) Electric points between Distribution lines carry electricity systems.

Associations ATCO Electric DISTRIBUTION FortisAlberta and businesses.

ENMAX Power (Calgary) transmission and carry electricity to homes, farms ENMAX Power (Calgary) FortisAlberta ATCO Electric EPCOR (Edmonton) distribution to homes, farms and businesses.

Distribution lines EPCOR (Edmonton) ATCO Electric ENMAX Power (Calgary) FortisAlberta DISTRIBUTION Rural Electrification Retailers give systems. and businesses.

RETAILERS carry electricity ENMAX Power (Calgary) EPCOR (Edmonton) FortisAlberta Associations ATCO Electric consumers a Direct Energy to homes, farms EPCOR (Edmonton) Rural Electrification ATCO Electric choice of ENMAX Power (Calgary)Distribution ENMAX (Calgary) lines and businesses.

Rural Electrification Associations DISTRIBUTION ENMAX Power (Calgary) electricity service EPCOR Energy (Edmonton) carry electricity Retailers give EPCOR (Edmonton) Associations FortisAlberta EPCOR (Edmonton) RETAILERS providers.

Just Energy Alberta toconsumers homes, farms a ATCO Electric Rural Electrification Direct Energy Rural Electrification Associations Retailers give City of Lethbridge Utilities and businesses.

RETAILERS choice of ENMAX Power (Calgary) Associations ENMAX (Calgary) Retailers give consumers a RETAILERS Direct Energy electricity service EPCOR (Edmonton) EPCOR Energy (Edmonton) consumers a choice of Direct Energy ENMAX (Calgary) providers.

Rural Electrification Just Energy Alberta Electricity choiceservice of electricity YOU Retailers giveis ENMAX (Calgary) EPCOR Energy (Edmonton) RETAILERS Associations City of Lethbridge Utilities delivered to electricity service providers. consumers a EPCOR Energy (Edmonton) JustDirect Energy Alberta Direct Energy Energy homes, farms providers. choice of Just Energy Alberta City of Lethbridge Utilities ENMAX (Calgary) (Calgary) ENMAX and businesses.

Retailers give electricity service Electricity is City of Lethbridge Utilities RETAILERS EPCOR Energy (Edmonton) YOU EPCOR Energy (Edmonton) consumers a providers. delivered to Direct Energy Just Energy Alberta Electricity choicefarms ofis Just Energy Alberta YOU homes, ENMAX (Calgary) City of Lethbridge Utilities Electricity is delivered to electricity service and businesses.

EPCOR (Edmonton) City Energy ofYOU Lethbridge Utilities delivered to homes, farms providers.

Just Energy Alberta homes, farms and businesses.

Electricity is YOU Utilities City of Lethbridge and businesses. delivered to homes, farms Electricity is and businesses.

YOU delivered to homes, farms and businesses.

Did you know?

The existing electrical transmission system in the Foothills and Calgary areas has not had any major developments or upgrades since 1985, while the population in these communities has grown substantially.

Calgary High River Okotoks

Population in 1985 Population in 2010 625,143 1,071,515 5,114 11,783 4,981 23,201

Okotoks then (1990)

Source: Okotoks Museum and Archives

Okotoks now (2011)

Regulatory Process 1. After we gather more stakeholder input and other technical and environmental information, we will further refine the preferred and alternate routes and submit our Facilities Application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The AUC ensures the fair and responsible delivery of our utility services. The AUC will review the Facilities Application through a process in which stakeholders can participate.

2. When the AUC deems an application is complete, a Notice of Application is issued to parties that may be directly and adversely affected by the proposed project. This notice is also typically published in local newspapers.

3. The AUC can approve, approve with conditions or deny a Facilities Application.

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.

What progress have we made?

Your continued input is important to our project and helps us identify the route with the lowest overall impact.

During the first stage of consultation we received valuable stakeholder input about the preliminary route options. We used this stakeholder input and the results from further studies and field work, including environmental evaluations, to refine the preliminary route options to preferred and alternate routes.

We want your input on the preferred and alternate routes.

Updated project schedule Fall / winter 2011 Late 2011 Spring 2013

Notify landowners of preferred and alternate routes to be included in the Facilities Application File Facilities Application with the AUC Start construction if project is approved

Project cost The estimated cost of this project is between $130 to $190 million, which would be approximately 13 to 19 cents per month on the typical residential utility bill.

Foothills Area Transmission Development (FATD) The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has identified the need to strengthen the transmission system in the MD of Foothills and south Calgary. The AESO is an independent, not-for-profit entity responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of Alberta’s electric system.

The North Foothills Transmission Project (NFTP) is one of the projects identified in the FATD. This project will: • ensure the transmission system will meet growing demand in developing areas and maintain a reliable supply of electricity • ensure power from new generation plants, including gas and wind power, is connected to Alberta’s electric grid

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 per cent 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 per cent. The transmission system always hooks up the lowest priced generator to the grid first, so generators compete to provide Albertans with cost-effective electricity.

Project overview This project involves a new double circuit 240 kV steel lattice transmission line approximately 51 to 55 kilometres in length (depending on the final route) starting at the proposed Foothills Substation, located east of High River. The line will proceed north and connect to a substation in southeast Calgary proposed by ENMAX Power (No. 65 Substation).

Structure type A typical structure will have a: • height of 44 to 60 metres (144 to 197 feet) • width of 22 to 24 metres at the widest arm (72 to 79 feet) • base of 10 by 10 metres, up to 14 by 14 metres (32 by 32 feet, up to 46 by 46 feet) • distance between structures averaging 365 metres (1,198 feet) • right-of-way width of 60 metres (197 feet) A right-of-way refers to the strip of land required for the construction and operation of a transmission line. The right-of-way is subject to development restrictions to help ensure the safe and reliable operation of transmission lines.

PROPOSED ENMAX #65 SUB 22X

901

CALGARY

24

797

552

OKOTOKS

2 Gladys

547

799

Mazeppa

HIGH RIVER

23 Frank Lake

LEGEND Proposed ENMAX Substation Proposed Substation Preferred Transmission Route Alternate Transmission Route Option to the Preferred Transmission Route

Existing Substation Hamlet or Locality Existing Transmission Line Road Urban Area Water Body

Rendering of the 240 kV double circuit transmission structure proposed for this project

Substations Foothills Substation The transmission line will start at the proposed Foothills Substation, located east of Highway 2, in the High River area, and west of Frank Lake in NW-35-18-28-W4M.

The proposed Foothills Substation will look similar to the one pictured here.

ENMAX No. 65 Substation ENMAX No. 65 Substation has been proposed by ENMAX Power and will be located near the intersection of Highway 22x and 88 Street SE. ENMAX Power has completed public consultation for this substation and has submitted a Facilities Application to the AUC. Definition

Substation Substations are the connection point between high-voltage transmission lines and the lower voltage power lines (called distribution lines) that connect directly to homes and businesses.

After a transmission line brings power to a substation, its voltage is reduced so it can be transported safely and efficiently to you.

Preferred route AltaLink has identified the route option that essentially parallels existing transmission lines as the preferred route. The preferred route: • parallels the largest amount of existing infrastructure o parallels the 1201L transmission line for approximately 28 kilometres (17 miles) o parallels the 850L transmission line for approximately 14 kilometres (9 miles) • minimizes fragmentation of the land reducing the risk of land use and agricultural impacts • has the least impact on areas with potential historical importance CALGARY

Indus

Dalemead Lake

22X

Dalemead

901 24 Carseland

A route option that runs adjacent to Frank Lake is also included for consideration as part of the preferred route.

Bo

Heritage Pointe

w

De Winton

552

R i ve r

797

2

Blizzard Lake

OKOTOKS

549

S

i eep R

h

7

ver

Aldersyde

783

Hi g h w oo R i v er

• is estimated to be the lowest cost route

547

Gladys

d

2A

799 Blackie

543 Emerson Lake

Frank Lake

Eltham

23

HIGH RIVER

804

LEGEND Preferred Transmission Route

Road

Other Transmission Route

Water Body

Hamlet or Locality

Urban Area

Alternate routes Three alternate route segments have been identified. When compared to the preferred route, these alternate route segments typically have: • a higher residential impact • a greater impact on future development plans • a longer line length • a higher estimated cost The alternate route segments may be used in conjunction with the preferred route.

Highway 22x alternate route segment

PROPOSED ENMAX #65 SUB

911L 850L

88 Street South-east

A260 !

A256

911L

850L

A254

Rang e Road 285

911L 850AL

!

B ow Ri ve

Range Road 283

Township Road 224

CALGARY

Range Road 284

V U

! A270 !A258

22X

727L

The Highway 22X route provides an alternative to connect to the ENMAX No. 65 Substation by following quarter lines and paralleling Highway 22X.

!

!

r

!

LEGEND !

Point Designation Preferred Transmission Route Alternate Transmission Route Other Transmission Route Proposed ENMAX Substation

Existing Transmission Line Road Water Body Urban Area

A253

Towns hip Road 222

850L

A250 A242

1201L

The centre alternate route segment follows quarter lines through agricultural land north of the Bow River.

Range Road 280

Centre alternate route segment

Range Road 281

Alternate routes

A240

B240

Bo

Range Road 282

B235 Township Road 220

w Ri ve

B233

r

LEGEND Point Designation

Existing Transmission Line

Preferred Transmission Route

Road

Alternate Transmission Route

Water Body

Other Transmission Route

Urban Area

G20

D20

160 Street East

Frank Lake area alternate route segment The Frank Lake area route segment provides an alternative around Frank Lake starting from the proposed Foothills Substation.

Mazeppa

753L

1201L

D12 23

240 Street East

498 Avenue East

144 Street East

Proposed Foothills 237S Substation

D15

224 Street East

G10

176 Street East

466 Avenue East

Frank Lake

D8

D9

LEGEND Proposed Substation

Existing Transmission Line

Point Designation

Hamlet or Locality

Preferred Transmission Route

Road

Alternate Transmission Route

Water Body

Other Transmission Route

Eliminated routes North of the Bow River Some of the preliminary routes north of the Bow River have been removed from consideration. These route segments were removed due to:

• a higher estimated cost

Indus

CALGARY

The west Bow River crossing, located at the confluence of the Bow and Highwood River, proposed during our first round of consultation has been removed from consideration.

We heard from stakeholders that this area has environmental and historical significance to Albertans and has a high recreational use.

Heritage Pointe

Dalemead

727L

West Bow River

22X

850L

924L 927L

• a greater number of residences that would be closer to a transmission line than they already are • technical considerations • greater impacts on future development potential • a longer line length

De Winton

552

13 L 812L

911L Aldersyde

Gladys

547 1201L

727L

7

L

2

158L

1 85

OKOTOK S

797

799 2A

Mazeppa

753L

23

Blackie Eltham

HIGH RIVER We identified another river crossing location, approximately three LEGEND kilometres from the preferred Potential Transmission Route Hamlet or Locality Previously Considered Road crossing, which would span the river Transmission Route Water Body valley. The route options to this river Existing Transmission Line Urban Area crossing location were evaluated as having higher overall impacts than the preferred route. This river crossing location is also located in close proximity to an existing transmission crossing over the bow River.

For these reasons only the preferred route river crossing has been identified.

What information do we need from you?

The table below describes in detail the type of information we need from you to further refine the preferred and alternate routes.

Agricultural

• Loss of crops • Reduced efficiency of field operations

Residential

• Proximity to residences • Loss of developable lands and constraints on future development

Environmental

•A lteration of natural areas and interference with environmentally sensitive areas

Cost

• Construction cost and land acquisition costs

Electrical

• Reliability and reparability of the line

Visual

•V isual impact of structures and lines as seen from residences and recreational areas

Special considerations

•E lectrical interference with radio transmitting stations and other telecommunication equipment etc.

Landowner compensation Easement acquisition • $10,000 per quarter: early access payment to perform environmental surveying and geotechnical work (for the preferred route only) • $250 to $5,000 per title: entry fee payment (as per the Surface Rights Act) • $1,500 minimum: general disturbance payment • $2,500 (titled unit) land damages payment:($2,500 pre-construction; postconstruction paid if applicable) AltaLink will pay fair market value per acre for the total area of the easement that crosses a landowner’s property, while the landowner retains ownership of the land.

With the exception of the $10,000 early access payment, all other one-time payments are subject to the AUC’s approval of this project.

Annual Structure Payments (ASPs) Currently our 2011 rates for this project are: • $1,178 per structure per year on cultivated land • $471 per structure per year on uncultivated land Factors we take into consideration when determining ASPs include: • the loss of use of the area enclosed by the structure once operational • the inconvenience and additional costs associated with weed control • additional time required to operate equipment around transmission structures • additional seed required • overlap of pesticide/herbicide and fertilizer used when farming around the structure • effects on cultivation

Did you know?

The amount of energy used to power home electronics in residences across Canada more than doubled between 1990 and 2007. The majority of Canadian homes have more than one television and more than a quarter of households used at least three sets in 2007. TVs, DVD players and other electronic devices are drawing more and more power from the grid on a continual basis.

Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) AltaLink’s position on EMF AltaLink recognizes that some people are concerned about EMF and we treat those concerns very seriously.

Based on more than 30 years of research, national and international health agencies have not concluded that EMF associated with high voltage transmission lines will adversely affect your health or the health of plants and animals. They have not recommended

the general public take steps to limit their everyday exposure to EMF. AltaLink will ensure any problems caused by interference from our facilities are corrected and all applicable guidelines are met.

Where can you find EMF? • electric utility equipment and facilities • household electrical appliances • building wiring

Common questions about electrical effects include: Q Will there be TV/radio interference?

A There is no impact on cable TV. Other impacts can typically be mitigated.

Q Will there be wireless internet interference?

A There is typically no impact.

Q Will Global Positioning Systems be affected?

A There is typically no impact.

Q Will there be any affect to cardiac pacemakers?

A Most have shielding, but we can provide answers to you about the specific model.

Q What about audible noise?

A AltaLink adheres to the AUC noise guidelines.

Q What about building and fence induction?

A This is mitigated through grounding we install during construction.

Q What about stray voltage?

A This is not caused by transmission lines; it is more typically caused by distribution lines or local wiring.

Environmental Evaluation An Environmental Evaluation identifies environmental features within the project area through existing data and field surveys. Additional information is gathered from consultation with provincial and federal regulators, landowners and the public.

This information is used to assist in route development. Potential effects from the project are identified, so that mitigations can be developed to minimize or eliminate these effects.

Information within the Environmental Evaluation typically includes: • wildlife and vegetation inventories • wetlands, watercourse and groundwater • threatened and endangered species identification • terrain and soil inventories

Thank you for attending our open house.

To learn more about this project, please visit www.altalink.ca/fatd, or contact us: Phone: 1-877-767-4484 (toll free) Email: fatd@altalink.ca