City of Edmonton transmission reinforcement

Underground

We received inquiries on an underground route option.  

In early 2023, we developed above ground route options as they are less costly for Alberta ratepayers, faster to build, and easier to access for maintenance and repairs. However, due to potential technical challenges with the above ground 240 kV line routes options, we developed underground and hybrid route options for consideration.

Property value
We heard concerns that the transmission line would impact property value.

During our conversations with community members, we received questions on impacts to property value. In response to these questions, we hired a consultant to evaluate and prepare a report on the potential effects of high voltage transmission lines on residential property values within the City of Edmonton.

For the Preferred and Alternate 240 kV Routes, the report concluded that since the 240 kV transmission lines will be underground (Preferred 240 kV Route) or mainly underground (Alternate 240 kV Route), it would not result in any property value impacts to adjacent properties. For the above ground portion of the Alternate 240 kV Route, no property value impacts are expected due to the large distance between the above-ground structures and the potentially affected residential properties.

Health and Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)

We heard questions on EMF and health. 

Power lines use power frequency (60Hz), which is classified as extremely low frequency EMF. This is the same frequency used by most household appliances and the wiring in your home. In Canada, Health Canada monitors the science on electric and magnetic fields (EMF), conducts research on potential health effects, and contributes to the World Health Organization’s research on EMF. The position of Health Canada is: The potential health effects of extremely low frequency EMF has been studied extensively. While some people are concerned that long term exposure to extremely low frequency EMF may cause cancer, the scientific evidence does not support such claims. — Health Canada 2022

To provide additional information, we reached out to a third-party specialist to provide a summary of the research and to develop projections for both aerial and underground options. The results show that the projected electric and magnetic fields for this project are well below the exposure guideline levels recommended for the general public. View additional information by Exponent Health and Scientific entitled Electric and Magnetic Fields and the City of Edmonton Transmission Reinforcement (CETR) project.

Cost

We received questions about increases to power bills and the cost of the project.

The Alberta Electric System Operator oversees the planning, maintenance and operation of the transmission grid and the cost for this is paid for by all Alberta electricity consumers. These costs are identified as the transmission charge on your power bill and includes costs associated with system projects such as the City of Edmonton Transmission Reinforcement Project. To find out more about transmission costs in Alberta you can contact the AESO at 1-888-866-2959 or stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca.

Transmission development is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission to ensure reasonable rates along with safe and reliable service. With this in mind, EPCOR plans projects to minimize costs to ratepayers. 

Please note, these estimates are provided at a feasibility study level and may change as planning progresses. For this project, it is estimated that an underground 240 kV route would cost approximately $65 million more than an above ground transmission line route. Cost is just one of the factors we consider when selecting preferred and alternate routes. It is also a factor the Alberta Utilities Commission considers when deciding which route to approve.​

Safety

We heard general safety concerns, including proximity to Yellowhead Trail and fire risk.

EPCOR puts safety first in everything we do. We are working with the City of Edmonton to identify areas near Yellowhead Trail that may require mitigation measures, such as a barrier system. We will follow all required design guides and roadway requirements.

Specific impacts, including potential traffic disruptions, would be identified ahead of construction. EPCOR will work closely with the City of Edmonton to mitigate construction impacts as much as possible.

We heard concerns about increased fire risk. We do not anticipate increased fire risk as a result of the proposed above ground transmission line. Sparks may occur if vegetation comes in contact with a power line. To prevent this, EPCOR has a tree vegetation maintenance program to ensure branches and other vegetation remains a safe distance from the wires.

Environment

We received questions about potential impacts to the environment and recreational areas.

Environmental assessments for this project are underway to identify potential impacts. These assessments will be used to create an Environmental Protection plan, which contains site specific mitigation measures. We also aim to minimize impacts by identifying route options that follow existing linear developments such as roadways, berms and trails. We heard concerns about impacts to trails and recreational areas. Potential impacts to recreational areas will be assessed to develop the appropriate mitigation measures. We do not anticipate impacts to recreational areas and trails once the transmission lines are constructed.

Maximize distance from residences

We heard feedback to increase distances from residential properties. 

We have provided various route options that maximize distances from residences. We worked with the City of Edmonton to find solutions to remain as close to Yellowhead Trail as road allowances and safety would allow.

Noise

We heard questions about noise from the transmission line.

Generally, noise is not noticeable from a 240 kV above ground transmission line. You may hear a faint buzzing noise from the line during rainy weather, however it is typically only audible within the right-of-way corridor. No noise is expected from an underground transmission line.

Visual impacts

We received questions about what the transmission line would look like.

To show what the transmission lines could look like, visual renderings were completed at various points along the route options.

View visual renderings.

Power outages

We heard concerns about power outages.

During construction, temporary power outages may be required to allow us to complete the work safely. The timing and extent of outages would be determined prior to construction. We understand outages are an inconvenience and we will work with affected customers to minimize the impact of the outages and ensure customers are notified in advance.

Property value
We heard concerns that the transmission line would impact property value.

During our conversations with community members, we received questions on impacts to property value. In response to these questions, we hired a consultant to evaluate and prepare a report on the potential effects of high voltage transmission lines on residential property values within the City of Edmonton.

For the Preferred and Alternate 72 kV Routes, the report concluded that due to the distance from the structures and the existing linear disturbances along the routes, no property value impacts are anticipated.

This report is included in our Facility Application, which is available on the Alberta Utilities Commission eFiling system or you can contact us for more information.

Cost

The Alberta Electric System Operator oversees the planning, maintenance and operation of the transmission grid and the cost for this is paid for by all Alberta electricity consumers. These costs are identified as the transmission charge on your power bill and includes costs associated with system projects such as the City of Edmonton Transmission Reinforcement Project. To find out more about transmission costs in Alberta you can contact the AESO at 1-888-866-2959 or stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca.

Transmission development is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to ensure reasonable rates along with safe and reliable service. With this in mind, EPCOR plans projects to minimizes costs to ratepayers.

High level cost estimates for the project are provided here. The first shows the estimated cost with above ground transmission route options and the second estimate shows the cost with an underground 240 kV route option. A 240 kV underground route option was developed due to potential technical challenges with the above ground route options. The 72 kV transmission line does not have the same constraints, therefore we are not considering an underground 72 kV option at this time.

Please note, these estimates are provided at a feasibility study level and may change as planning progresses. Cost is just one of the factors we consider when selecting preferred and alternate routes. It is also a factor the Alberta Utilities Commission considers when deciding which route to approve.

Health and Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF)

We heard questions on EMF and health. 

Power lines use power frequency (60Hz), which is classified as extremely low frequency EMF. This is the same frequency used by most household appliances and the wiring in your home. In Canada, Health Canada monitors the science on electric and magnetic fields (EMF), conducts research on potential health effects, and contributes to the World Health Organization’s research on EMF. The position of Health Canada is: The potential health effects of extremely low frequency EMF has been studied extensively. While some people are concerned that long term exposure to extremely low frequency EMF may cause cancer, the scientific evidence does not support such claims.  —Health Canada 2022

To provide additional information, we reached out to a third-party specialist to provide a summary of the research and to develop projections for both aerial and underground options. The results show that the projected electric and magnetic fields for this project are well below the exposure guideline levels recommended for the general public. View additional information by Exponent Health and Scientific entitled Electric and Magnetic Fields and the City of Edmonton Transmission Reinforcement (CETR) project.

Maximize distance from residences

​We heard feedback to increase distances from residential properties and place the route near industrial/commercial areas.

We have provided various route options that maximize distances from residences. This includes retiring the route option along 127 Avenue. The current route options follow existing distribution lines, fence lines and roadways in commercial and industrial areas.

Visual impacts

We received questions about what the transmission line would look like.

To show what the transmission lines could look like, visual renderings were completed at various points along the route options.

View visual renderings.

Noise

We heard questions about noise from the transmission line.

Generally, noise is not noticeable from a 72 kV transmission line. You may hear a faint buzzing noise from the line during rainy weather, however it is typically only audible within the right-of-way corridor.

Most work will happen inside the fenced substation site. You may hear construction noise during this time. Lane and road closures may be required for short periods of time to bring materials and equipment to the site.

Construction activities will include:

• Preparing the substation site
• Installing the foundation and ground grids
• Installing electrical equipment
• Constructing the substation building
• Energizing and restoring the site

Construction activities will include:

• Preparing the site, including removing vegetation
• Digging an open trench
• Pouring concrete for the duct bank in the trench and restoring the site
• Pulling cables into the duct bank through access vaults
• Energizing the cables

Part of the underground 240 kV route goes through Hermitage Park to connect to an existing transmission line. This will be built by digging an open trench and will require some tree and vegetation removal to allow access for future maintenance. There will be temporary trail closures near the 1908 train bridge as we complete work in this area. Trail signs will be used to update park users on these closures. 

We are committed to minimizing our impact on the natural areas within the park. Throughout construction, we will work closely with the City of Edmonton to ensure all permits, legislative requirements, and seasonal protection measures have been met. We will use native species for replanting trees and other vegetation based on City of Edmonton requirements.

Construction activities will include:

• Preparing the site, including tree trimming and removing vegetation  
• Drilling holes and installing pole bases
• Installing poles using a crane truck
• Installing lines between the new poles
• Energizing and site restoration

The Kennedale Substation, located at 5035 126 Avenue NW, will be removed from service, and all existing distribution cables will be relocated to the new Fort Road Substation. The existing substation equipment will be removed, and the site will be repurposed for other EPCOR uses or prepared for sale.

The existing underground transmission cables will be de-energized. As a part of this process, fluid filled pipes will be drained and the cables will be removed. Once empty, the pipes will be cleaned and inspected so they can be reused for other purposes, such as containing communication cables.

Power outages will be required during certain construction activities. If your home or business will be affected, you will be provided with advance notice.

Typical hours of construction will be 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Some evening and weekend work may be required to maintain project timelines and minimize impacts to residents and businesses.

This work will be noisy at times. We will comply with the City of Edmonton’s Community Standards Bylaw for Noise Control. If it is necessary to temporarily exceed acceptable noise levels or go past typical construction hours, we will work with the City of Edmonton to obtain the necessary permits. 

If you are concerned with the noise generated by these construction activities, please contact EPCOR at 780-412-8800.

Some tree trimming and removal will be required along the route. Most of these trees are located on City of Edmonton property. If a tree on your property needs to be trimmed or removed, we will contact you in advance to discuss the required work.

We are committed to public and employee safety. All construction activities will be in accordance with City of Edmonton bylaws, Occupational Health & Safety requirements, and EPCOR’s strict health, safety and environment procedures and guidelines. All work areas will be safe and secure.

The AESO is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the provincial transmission grid. For more information about why this project is needed, please refer to the AESO Need Overview or visit www.aeso.ca.

If you have any questions or concerns about the need for this project, you may contact the AESO directly. You can also make your questions or concerns known to an EPCOR representative who will collect your personal information for the purpose of addressing your questions and/or concerns to the AESO. This process may include disclosure of your personal information to the AESO.

Contact AESO

Phone: 1-888-866-2959
Email: stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca
Website: www.aeso.ca

Alberta’s electrical system is regulated by the AUC. The AUC is an independent quasi-judicial agency that ensures that the delivery of Alberta’s utility service takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public’s interest. The AUC approved this project on March 27, 2026. For more information about how you can participate in the process, please refer to the AUC's Public involvement brochure.