Project Overview and Details

Utility relocations

Transmission power line relocation

In December of 2020, we sent out information about plans to relocate a transmission line along 50 Street from 90 Avenue to the Sherwood Park Freeway to accommodate the City of Edmonton's project. On August 11, 2021, we filed an application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) and received approval on August 18, 2021.The transmission relocation activities will begin in early 2022 and take approximately three months to complete. The work will include installing the new composite fiberglass and steel poles, then stringing the transmission and distribution power lines along the new alignment. Once the facilities are built, the old poles will be removed. This is scheduled to occur late 2022/early 2023. EPCOR will provide additional information on construction activities closer to construction starting.

Installation of underground ducts and distribution lines (cables)

To accommodate this project, new underground electrical ducts will be constructed to contain power distribution lines (called cables). The ducts will be installed using open cut trench excavation or horizontal directional drilling (HDD), and the new power cables will be pulled though the ducts (see map for location). The work is expected to begin in early 2022 and take approximately four months to complete.

Alberta’s electrical system is regulated by the AUC. The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency that ensures the delivery of Alberta’s utility services takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public interest. For more information about the AUC, visit the AUC’s website.

Transmission fibre optic cables

Fibre optic cables will be installed into some of the newly created underground distribution ducts on the west side of 50 Street from 90 Avenue to the Sherwood Park Freeway. This work is expected to begin in spring 2022 and will take approximately two months to complete. Before the fibre optic cables can be installed, the planned work must be approved by the AUC. EPCOR plans to file an application to the AUC by the end of 2021 for approval to install the new fibre optic cable. Please provide any questions or concerns regarding the fibre optic cable installation by December 1, 2021.

Definitions

Transmission lines carry high-voltage electricity to different EPCOR substations throughout Edmonton. Substations then convert the electricity from the higher voltage transmission lines to lower voltages, so it can be used by homes and businesses through distribution lines (cables).

Fibre optic cables provide a communications link between neighbouring substations and EPCOR's control centre. This enables EPCOR to monitor and remotely control its transmission equipment, communicate with other transmission operators, and ensure the safety and reliability of EPCOR's transmission system.

Distribution ducts are used to protect underground distribution cables and fibre optic cables from being damaged.

Horizontal directional drills (HDD) use a surface drilling machine to install pipes underneath the ground. These pipes are then used to contain distribution and fibre optic cables.