West Edmonton Transmission Upgrade Project

Project complete - April 2022

Thank you for your patience during the construction of the West Edmonton Transmission Upgrade Project. This project is now complete and the new transmission line is built and operating.

The West Edmonton Transmission Upgrade Project involved installing a new above-ground 72 kilovolt transmission line from the Poundmaker Substation (18944 105 Avenue) to the Meadowlark Substation (15404 84 Avenue), as well as modifications to both the Meadowlark and Poundmaker Substations. The project was approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission on March 12, 2020 (Decision 23943-D01-2020) and was completed in April 2022.

Project overview and map Timelines Consultation update Approved route Regulatory process Contact us

Project overview and map

Project overview

This project involves constructing approximately 9.5 km of above-ground 72 kilovolt (kV) transmission line from the Poundmaker Substation (18944 105 Avenue) to the Meadowlark Substation (15404 84 Avenue), as well as modifications to both the Meadowlark and Poundmaker Substations. The project was approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission on March 12, 2020 (Decision 23943-D01-2020). This project is expected to be completed in fall 2021.

Construction map

Timelines

EPCOR is preparing for the construction phase of the project. Construction is scheduled to commence in late summer/early fall 2020. The facilities are to be completed and operating by fall 2021. Please note the timing and details may be adjusted as activities are finalized.

While EPCOR intends to move ahead with this project, timelines for this work are subject to change as we navigate developments associated with COVID-19. Customers should expect delays on projects where we have previously communicated timelines. While this is important work, our focus at this time is on the health of our employees and customers. Once a new schedule for this work is known, we will provide you with another update. We would like to reassure our customers that we have plans in place to manage disruptions or emergencies, and are committed to providing the services our communities count on.

Consultation update

What to Expect Before Construction

EPCOR will work with landowners to identify potential objects or areas that require grounding.
Stakeholders directly adjacent to the project will receive a notice setting out construction details, including traffic impacts and a schedule.
Stakeholders who are not directly adjacent to the approved route will only receive information about the project by request. To request construction details, please call 780-412-4040 or email consultation@epcor.com.

Construction Impacts

Construction is planned to begin in late summer/early fall 2020 and finish in fall 2021. The facilities are to be completed and operating by fall 2021. Timing and details may be adjusted as activities are finalized. While EPCOR intends to move ahead with this project, timelines for this work are subject to change as we navigate developments associated with COVID-19.

We anticipate work will generally happen Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; however occasional evening and weekend work may also be required. We will provide customers affected by construction with more detailed information regarding potential impacts, including possible power outages, prior to any work starting.

All proposed work spaces for the project will be safe and secure, and construction activities will comply with City of Edmonton bylaws, Occupational Health and Safety requirements, and our strict health, safety and environment program.

We understand that construction impacts can be challenging; however, they are generally short in nature. Our construction team will work as quickly and safely as possible to minimize potential impacts.

Approved route

The approved transmission line route

Determining the route of a new power line is a complex process. We considered a number of important factors when evaluating possible routes, including:

Input from local stakeholders
Public and employee health and safety
The environment
Existing infrastructure available to be used or paralleled
Proximity to existing Transportation Utility Corridor (TUC)
Electrical requirements
Cost
Visual and social impacts
Construction impacts and access to facilities during maintenance
Special constraints and considerations

Taking into account these factors, we identified a preferred route and alternate route for the transmission line. The AUC approved the preferred the route as shown on the map below.

The approved route runs from the Meadowlark Substation to Whitemud Drive, then east to west along Whitemud Drive to the Transportation Utility Corridor (TUC) where it proceeds north within the TUC to the Poundmaker Substation. It uses the existing TUC and existing powerline and other linear infrastructure alignments along the entire route.

What is a transportation/utility corridor (TUC)?

The Government of Alberta established Restricted Development Areas (RDAs) in the mid-1970s, the lands in these areas were designated for TUC uses. As defined by the Government of Alberta the intended primary uses within TUCs are linear transportation and utility facilities, which includes power transmission lines.

Regulatory process

We're committed to consulting with stakeholders about projects that affect them and welcome your comments and questions. Your feedback regarding this project is important to us and was incorporated into the facility application that we filed with the AUC. Below is more information about the regulatory process.

The regulatory process

The AESO is responsible for determining the proposed transmission development, which involves adding the transmission line and the equipment at the Meadowlark and Poundmaker substations. The AESO submitted a Needs Identification Document (NID) with the AUC in October, 2018 in support of this project.

In October 2019, EPCOR's project team also filed a Facility Application with the AUC outlining our proposed upgrades to the Poundmaker and Meadowlark substations, and our preferred and alternate route for the new 72 kV transmission line.

On March 12, 2020, EPCOR received approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission for the proposed above-ground 72 kV transmission line, fibre optic cable and modifications to the Meadowlark and Poundmaker Substations (Decision 23943-D01-2020). As part of the approval, the AUC made the final decision on routing.

More about the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)

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's Updated Need Overview or visit their website. If you have any questions or concerns about the need for this project you may contact the AESO directly or you can make concerns known to an EPCOR representative who will communicate them to the AESO on your behalf. This process may include disclosure of your personal information to the AESO.

More about the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)

The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the province of Alberta. The AUC is responsible to ensure that the delivery of Alberta's utility service takes place in the public interest. The AUC must approve this project before upgrades to the system can begin. For more information about how you can participate in the process, please visit the AUC website.

About EPCOR

EPCOR, through its subsidiaries, builds, owns and operates electrical, natural gas and water transmission and distribution networks; water and wastewater treatment facilities; sanitary and stormwater systems; and infrastructure in Canada and the United States. The company also provides electricity, natural gas and water products and services to residential and commercial customers. EPCOR, headquartered in Edmonton, is an Alberta Top 70 employer.

Privacy

EPCOR respects your right to privacy. Any personal information we collect about you — including your name, address, phone number and email address — will be used only in regards to this project. In accordance with AUC Rule 007, this information will be filed with the AUC and may be available to the public through their website during the regulatory proceeding for this project. Please visit www.auc.ab.ca/AUCPublicInvolvement for more information about the AUC's public involvement process for proposed utility developments. View our Privacy Policy for more information.

Contact us

As we move forward, we remain committed to keeping you informed of updates about this project. We will continue to involve you in the process, address your concerns, and respond to your questions.

If you have any questions or concerns about the project, please contact us:

(780) 412-4040

consultation@epcor.com
www.epcor.com/consultation

For more information about the need for this project please contact:

Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)

(888) 866-2959
Stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca
poweringalberta.com

For more information about the regulatory process please contact:

Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)

1-833-511-4282 (toll free)
310-4282

auc.ab.ca