Electric system developments near you
October 2011 Volume 1
Cypress Substation Upgrade
Did you know? Alberta marked a new power usage record this July as residents across the province turned on air conditioners to beat the heat of summer. As temperatures soared, residents and businesses looking for relief started drawing more power from the grid. The transmission system works behind the scenes 24 hours a day so your comfort is uncompromised despite the heat of summer or the chill of winter.
You are receiving this newsletter because you are near the proposed Cypress Substation Upgrade and we want your input. 886
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CYPRESS COUNTY Proposed Substation Upgrade
Proposed Substation Upgrade
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.
We want to provide you with: • project details •m ap of the proposed development • project schedule • i nformation about how you can provide your input
CONTACT US 1-877-269-5903 satrinfo@altalink.ca www.albertaelectricityfuture.ca/satr
Definition
Project background
Alberta’s electric grid is comprised of power plants, thousands of kilometres of power lines (high-voltage transmission lines and lower voltage distribution lines) and hundreds of substations. The electric grid works behind the scenes 24 hours a day to keep your lights on.
The Cypress Substation Upgrade is a project identified as part of the Southern Alberta Transmission Reinforcement (SATR). SATR includes many proposed projects in southern Alberta that will provide Albertans with access to new wind generated power. Existing transmission lines and substations in the southern part of the province do not have the capacity to connect power generated from new wind farm projects. To connect this wind generated power to the electric grid, new transmission projects are being proposed to move the wind power from where it’s generated to where you need it.
Electric grid
Definition
Alberta Electric System Operator The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is the independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the Alberta electric system. Definition
Needs Application The AESO submits Needs Applications to the AUC for review. A Needs Application describes why a transmission project is required. The AUC may review a Needs Application at the same time it reviews a Facilities Application, or may review each application separately. The AUC must approve a Needs Application before construction can begin. 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.
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The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) filed a Needs Application for the SATR with the AUC in December 2008. The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) held a public hearing to review the need for these projects in 2009 and approved the need later that year. More information about the SATR can be found online at www.albertaelectricityfuture.ca/satr.
Project details This proposed project includes: • adding a static VAR compensator (SVC) control system to the substation • constructing a new substation diameter • expanding the substation fence line The AESO identified the need to increase the reliability of the Cypress area by adding an SVC to Cypress Substation. The SVC will control the voltage levels and will help to balance the power within the electrical power grid in the Cypress Area. The Cypress Substation is located in NE 34-19-1-W4M, south of the Village of Empress in Cypress County. As a result of the equipment addition the noise level at the substation may increase, but we will ensure noise does not exceed AUC guidelines. The new substation diameter is proposed to be the connection point for the proposed East Palliser transmission line. You may have already received information about the proposed East Palliser Transmission Project. It involves building new transmission facilities to connect the Wildrose 1 and 2 Wind Power Projects to the electric grid.
Definition
Static VAR compensator (SVC) An SVC is an electrical device that regulates voltage and helps balance power within the electrical power grid. The purpose of the compensator is to provide dynamic voltage control and reduce fast voltage variations that help to ensure the safety and reliability of the electric system. Definition
Substation diameter A substation diameter is a structure inside a substation that serves as the end connection point for new electrical equipment like an SVC
To accommodate the new equipment, the Cypress Substation needs to be expanded approximately 117 metres by 129 metres (384 feet by 423 feet) to the west onto Crown land.
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Providing your input Stakeholder input is important to us. You can provide your input in any of the following ways: Participating in a one-on-one consultation We will contact all occupants, residents and landowners who are on or directly adjacent to the substation location to gather input through one-on-one consultations.
During the one-on-one process we will document the information you provide and address 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 ensure stakeholder input and concerns are heard and addressed. A summary of stakeholder comments will be incorporated into the application we submit to the AUC. Contacting 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.
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Definition
Next steps After our consultation process is complete we will file a Facilities Application with the AUC and it will be reviewed through a process in which stakeholders 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.
Anticipated project schedule AltaLink will communicate and consult with you throughout the project steps listed below. Notify and consult with stakeholders
Fall 2011
File application with Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)
Spring 2012
Start construction if project is approved
Fall 2013
Complete construction
Spring 2014
Facilities Application AltaLink submits Facilities Applications to the AUC for review. A Facilities Application describes how AltaLink proposes to meet the requirement 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.
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.
Did you know? Since the energization of AltaLink’s southwest 240 kV transmission project, Albertans now have access to twice as much clean, green wind power. This 90-kilometre transmission line between Pincher Creek and Lethbridge links wind energy generated in southern Alberta to the rest of the electric system. 5
Local project benefits Upgrading the transmission system in the area will allow new, green energy to connect to the electric system. The transmission system encourages investment in our province and provides Albertans with access to safe and reliable power at the flick of a switch or the push of a button.
Projects in the area AltaLink is working on another project in the area to make sure your lights come on at the flick of the switch.
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Project
Description
Status
East Palliser Transmission Project
AltaLink is proposing two new transmission lines, a new switching station in Cypress County and to make additions to the Bowmanton and Cypress substations to connect NaturEner’s proposed Wild Rose 1 and 2 Wind Power Projects to the electric system. Each wind power project will provide up to 200 megawatts (MW) of additional wind power to the province’s electric system.
AUC pre-hearing was held September 27, 2011. A hearing has not been scheduled at this time.
AltaLink AltaLink’s transmission system efficiently delivers electricity to 85 per cent 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.
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Included in this information package: • Project map •A ltaLink brochure: A Dialogue on Electric & Magnetic Fields ltaLink brochure: Good •A Neighbours •A UC 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: satrinfo@altalink.ca To learn more about Alberta’s electricity system and the need for the project, please contact: Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
2611 - 3rd Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2A 7W7
1-888-866-2959 (toll-free) Email: stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca 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: utilitiesconcerns@auc.ab.ca
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