AltaLink announces Windy Point transmission line proposal

Chris Davis, from documents

AltaLink has released a proposal to construct a 138 kV (kilovolt) transmission line (named 130L) to connect the proposed Boulder Run 501S substation and Windy Point Wind Park Ltd.'s wind facilities to the electric grid, a project that would see the construction of approximately 90 metres of new transmission line that would connect to the existing 893AL transmission line.

all graphics from AltaLink documents

The Windy Point Wind Farm (130L Transmission Line Interconnection) project is located approximately 12 kilometres (7 miles) northeast of the town of Pincher Creek, adjacent to Highway 785.

The single-circuit transmission structures along the proposed 130L line will be wood pole structures to a height of approximately 22 metres. A 20 metre right of way is included in the proposal, with AltaLink's caveat that the right of way may expand if required.

AltaLink says the proposed route is intended to minimize the potential impact to existing agricultural operations where possible. A consultation process will be followed by an application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), which will then "review the application through a process in which stakeholders can participate."

"When identifying route options, AltaLink takes several factors into consideration in an effort to find routes with a low overall impact. Some of the factors we take into consideration include agricultural, residential, environmental, electrical, cost, visual and other special considerations. Stakeholder input with respect to the criteria listed is an important part of our planning process." - AltaLink

"According to the Canadian Electricity Association, Canada’s electricity grid was built for a population of about 20 million, but is today servicing around 35 million people. Provinces across Canada, including Alberta, are working to reinforce their aging electric systems so they can continue to provide customers with reliable power." - AltaLink

On May 1, 2014 Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin (then sole owner of AltaLink) announced it had entered into a binding agreement to sell 100% of its interest in AltaLink to Des Moines-based Berkshire Hathaway Energy for $3.2 billion, with an assumed closing date of December 31, 2014.   AltaLink is Alberta's largest regulated electricity transmission company. It owns more than half of Alberta's transmission grid, including approximately 280 substations and 12,000 kilometres of transmission lines, serving 85% of Alberta's population.

Timeline

AltaLink's project plan going forward starts with the notification and consultation with stakeholders during August and September 2014, to be followed with the application filing with the AUC September - October 2014. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) intends to apply to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for approval of this need in late 2014.  If approved, construction is expected to commence March 2015 with completion anticipated for December 2015. All of the above comes with the caveat that the project schedule is subject to change.


Related links:
AltaLink Windy Point proposal
AESO Windy Point connection need overview
AESO 2014 long term outlook
SNC Lavalin to sell AltaLink