MD of Pincher Creek approves McLachlin Wind Farm rezoning

AltaLink graphic illustrating location of McLaughlin Wind Farm and proposed/existing connections (Dec. 2015)

Chris Davis - At their August 22 meeting council for the MD of Pincher Creek passed a land use bylaw amendment requested by Renewable Energy Services Ltd. "to allow for the expansion of the McLaughlin Wind Farm site to better accommodate turbine placement." The wind farm site is east of the Town of Pincher Creek in the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. Councillor Quentin Stevick removed himself from voting on the matter as he was not in attendance for the public hearing on the matter held Tuesday, July 11, 2017. No members of the public spoke to the issue and there were no written submissions received at the public hearing.

AltaLink: Agreement to result in significant savings for consumers

AltaLink - An agreement reached between AltaLink and the customer groups representing Alberta’s industrial and residential electricity consumers will save Albertans more than $50 million during 2017 and 2018. Approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) on August 30, this agreement is the first negotiated settlement between an Alberta transmission company and its customers.  Combined with the previously approved $600 million in rate relief, AltaLink has introduced cost savings to Albertans totaling more than $650 million between 2015 and 2018.

Power outage affects southwestern Alberta communities

Toni Lucas - A power outage that began at 9:55 am today, July 7, 2017, and continues in some communities, was started when a bird got into one of the Pincher Creek area substations, according to AltaLink Vice President of Communications Scott Schreiner. "It caused some damage to the transmission equipment in that substation."  5000 customers were affected from Crowsnest Pass through Fort McLeod, including Cowley, Pincher Creek, Brocket, Twin Butte, Hillspring, Fort Macleod, Standoff and outlying areas. AltaLink and Fortis Alberta have been working together to get power back to the affected areas. By 1:30 pm, power was restored to two thirds of affected customers, leaving 1,600 customers still without power. "We appreciate everyone's patience as we try and get the power restored as quickly and safely as possible," said Schreiner. "We know the people need their electricity, so we're working as hard as we can."