Welcome Okotoks to Janet 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% 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.
You
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 Cogeneration plants GENERATION ATCO Power energyconvert into Capital Power Corporation facilities convert Wind turbines various of ATCO Power TransAlta electricforms power. ENMAX Energy various forms energy into of 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 electric power. various forms of power produced 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(Edmonton) Power ENMAX Energy EPCOR lines connect the AltaLink various forms 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)power EPCOR (Edmonton) the connection 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 ATCO(Edmonton) 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 RuralAltaLink Electrification 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) Associations City ofRETAILERS 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) ENMAX (Calgary) and businesses. Retailers give electricity service Electricity is City of Lethbridge Utilities RETAILERS EPCOR Energy (Edmonton) YOU EPCOR Energy (Edmonton) consumers providers. delivered toa Energy JustDirect Energy Alberta Electricity choicefarms ofis Just Energy Alberta YOU homes, ENMAX (Calgary) City of Lethbridge Utilities Electricity is delivered to electricity service businesses. EPCOR (Edmonton) City Energy ofYOU Lethbridge Utilitiesand 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 Calgary and the communities south and east of Calgary has not had any major developments or upgrades since 1985, while the population in these communities has grown substantially. Calgary chestermere Okotoks
Population in 1985 Population in 2010 625,143 1,071,515 550 14,285 4,981 23,201
Okotoks then (1990)
Source: Okotoks Museum and Archives
Okotoks now (2011)
Foothills Area Transmission Development (FATD) The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has identified the need to strengthen the transmission system in Calgary and the communities south and east of 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 Okotoks to Janet Project 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% 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.
Next steps 1. W e will contact stakeholders, provide information and answer questions about the project.
2. A fter the consultation process is complete, we will file a Facilities Application with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). 3. T he AUC will review the Facilities Application through a process in which stakeholders can participate. 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.
Public consultation We will work with you to ensure your questions and concerns are understood and responded to. A summary of stakeholder comments will be incorporated into the application we submit to the AUC.
One-on-one consultation We will contact occupants, residents and landowners who are on or directly adjacent to the existing transmission lines to discuss the project one-on-one by telephone and/or in person.
Anticipated project schedule Fall 2011
Notify and consult with stakeholders
Early 2012
File Facilities Application with the AUC
Spring 2013
Start construction if project is approved
Fall 2014
Complete construction
Although we attempt to follow the anticipated project schedule, it is subject to change. We will continue to provide stakeholders with updated schedule information as the project progresses.
Project overview The Okotoks to Janet Project includes the removal of an existing transmission line and voltage changes to existing transmission lines. "
JANET 74S
917L 23.8 0L
Proposed ENMAX #SS-25 SUB
560
93 6L 937L
) "
V U 22X
!
V U
Indus
22X
Proposed ENMAX #SS-65 SUB
CARSELAND 525S
85 0L
2A
Bow R
Ri
ive r
V U 797
ver
V U 552
gh
2
wood
911L
V U
727L
V U
924L 927L
791
V U 552
"
V U
CALGARY
NMAX#26 26S
! LANGDON Langdon 102S
! Bennett
911L 85 0L
72 7L
V U
CHESTERMERE
V U
) "
Shepard !
2
765L
! Janet
"
927L 924L
L 32
1201L
8 6L 91
""
158L
547
Proposed ENMAX Substation 13 Proposed Expansion L 783 of Existing Substation Proposed812L Transmission 812L Line Proposed Removal of Transmission Line Proposed Voltage Change of Transmission Line
V U
" !
Gladys !
Existing Substation Hamlet or Locality Existing Transmission Line Road 2 753L Urban Area Water Body
V U U V 2A
1201L
V U
OKOTOKS 678S "
727L
"
OKOTOKS
V U 799
1201L
) "
549
727L
LEGEND
V U
911L
Sheep River
1L 85
Hi
Project details – line removal Approximately 34 kilometres (21 miles) of the existing 727L transmission line will be removed between the Janet Substation in east Calgary and the Okotoks Substation located east of Okotoks. 727L transmission structure
Project details – voltage changes on existing transmission lines The look of these transmission lines will remain the same, the voltage change will only affect the amount of power the transmission lines carry.
911L transmission line The voltage will decrease from 240 kilovolt (kV) to 138 kV from east of the Okotoks Substation to north of the Bow River (approximately 19 kilometres or 12 miles). At that point, the 911L transmission line intersects with the 850L transmission line and is consolidated into one double circuit line, called the 850L/911L. Double circuit structures allow us to combine two separate circuits onto one structure. 911L transmission structure
Definition
Kilovolt (kV) A kilovolt is equal to one thousand volts and is commonly used when describing transmission and distribution lines. AltaLink’s transmission lines range from 69 kV (69,000 volts) to 500 kV (500,000 volts). Light bulbs typically range from 1.5 to 300 volts.
Project details – voltage changes on existing transmission lines 850L/911L transmission line The 850L voltage will increase from 138 kV to 240 kV beginning at the proposed ENMAX No. 65 Substation (east of 88 Street SE and north of Marquis of Lorne Trail) to the ENMAX No. 25 Substation (near the ENMAX Shepard Energy Centre). This is a distance of approximately seven kilometres (four miles). The overhead shield wire on the 850L/911L transmission line will be replaced with a new overhead shield wire with fibre optic cables (called optical ground wire) for improved telecommunication abilities with AltaLink’s control centre.
850L/911L transmission structure
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
Electric and magnetic fields (EMF) continued
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