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P​roject overview

EPCOR has begun gathering feedback for a proposed electrical transmission development called the City o​​f Edmonton Transmission Reinforcement (CETR) project. This project is needed to provide long-term reliable electricity and replace aging infrastructure.

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has identified a need to reinforce the electrical system and replace aging infrastructure in north and northeast Edmonton. To meet this need, the AESO has directed EPCOR to prepare a Facility Application for this proposed transmission development. This will ensure that EPCOR can continue to provide safe and reliable power to Edmontonians. ​


Proposed electrical transmission development project needed to provide long-term reliable electricity and replace aging infrastructure.

If approved, this project will include:

  • Construction of a new substation​​​​
  • Construction of approximately 6 km of new above ground 72 kV double circuit transmission line
  • Construction of approximately 6 km of new above ground 240 kV double circuit transmission line
  • Decommissioning the existing Kennedale Substation (located at 5035 – 129 Avenue)
  • Decommissioning four existing 72 kV underground transmission lines
  • Installing new fibre optic cables and wires​
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​​CETR project map​​​​​​​

 
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​Map ​​Legend

​​Proposed lines and substation

Learn more about the project's proposed new substation and route options for the 72 kV line (indicated by green on the map) or 240 kV lines (indicated by yellow on the map).​

72 kV transmission line information

Learn more about the proposed 72 ​​kV above ground transmission line and possible route options.

72 kV transmission line​​

240 kV transmission line information

Learn more about the proposed 240 kV above ground transmission line and possible route options.

240 kV transmission line​​

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Pr​oposed new substation

A new substation is being planned.​ Learn more about it and the possible site for it that has been identified in the Industrial Heights area.

Proposed new substation

CETR questions and answers​

View a summary of questions asked and answered about the project.

CETR Q and A Summary​​​​​​​​​​​
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Engagement opportunities

Engagement opportunities

In the upcoming months, EPCOR will be contacting homeowners, occupants, and business owners directly facing the proposed new developments to get feedback. Although we encourage anyone who has questions or feedback to contact us.

There are lots of steps in planning a new transmission development like this one and there will be opportunities to provide feedback and ask questions throughout the process.

Phone: (780) 412-8800
Email: CETR@epcor.com

A feedback form was mailed out to homeowners and businesses in the immediate area of the proposed routes and can be sent back to us.​​​ You can also complete our online feedback form.​​

Proposed project schedule

Proposed project schedule

  • ​January 2023 – Project Engagement Begins
  • January 31 (12:00pm) and February 2 (7:00pm​)– Public virtual open houses for feedback
  • Fall 2023 – Project Update​​
  • Spring 2024​ – Application to Alberta Utilities Commission for project approval​
Additional information

Additional information

There can be many technical terms used to describe electricity projects. We do our best to not use technical language but here are some common definitions to help understand this project. 

Transmission lines: Transmission lines are larger scale power lines that carry electricity from Substation to substation. 

Distribution lines: Distribution lines are medium-voltage power lines that run throughout the city. Their voltage can range between 2,400 to 25,000 volts. Distribution lines are mainly underground in newer neighbourhoods and above-ground (pole-mounted) in older urban neighbourhoods.

Substation: This is an electricity station that converts electricity from higher voltage power lines (transmission lines) to lower voltages that can be safely distributed to homes and businesses in the area through distribution lines. 

Above ground vs underground lines: Power lines can run underground or on poles above ground and are sometimes referred to as aerial lines when above ground. Above ground transmission lines cost less for Alberta ratepayers and are faster to build. Compared to underground infrastructure, above ground lines are also easier to access to complete maintenance or repairs, enabling us to potentially restore power faster for customers. Above ground lines require less space and two separate lines can be installed along the same route. 

Underground transmission lines need to be placed in concrete duct banks, like a trench. In urban areas, like Edmonton, space to install these types of duct banks is limited. Additionally, an underground double circuit transmission line, would require two separate duct banks to prevent overheating, which would require more space and cost Alberta ratepayers much more money to build. 

For these reasons, we are proposing to use above ground double circuit transmission lines, which is two transmission lines along one route using mostly one set of structures.

AESO: The Alberta Electric System Operator is an independent, not-for-profit agency in Alberta that plans and expands the electrical grid by working with industry partners and the government to make sure reliable power is there when you need it.

AUC: The Alberta Utilities Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the province of Alberta who is responsible for making decisions about applications to construct, operate, upgrade and decommission electric transmission and distribution power lines that deliver electricity to Alberta homes and businesses. The AUC ensures that applications fit the electricity plan developed to meet the electricity need and forecast set by the Alberta Electric System Operator. It considers the public interest and the social, economic and environmental impacts from its decisions about proposed transmission lines.

EMF: Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs)​ are invisible areas of energy that are associated with the use of electrical power and various forms of natural and man-made lighting. After more than 40 years of research that includes thousands of studies and numerous reviews by health agencies, Health Canada and the World Health Organization have concluded that typical exposures to EMF from overhead power lines does not have any known health consequences.

We are getting an EMF study completed which will include a summary of the research on EMF and projections for both the 72 kV and 240 kV transmission lines. If you would like to receive this information when it is available, we can add you to the distribution list​.   

Voltage: In common terms, this is the ‘pressure’ of the electricity being measured. The typical home has a 120 & 240 volt electrical service. A kilovolt (kV) is 1,000 volts. The voltage of the power lines on the power poles behind people’s homes are 15kV or 25kV. The transmission lines being proposed in this project are double-circuit 72kV and 240kV power lines.

Facility Application: This is the application package that EPCOR will submit to the Alberta Utilities Commission to request permission for construction of the project. It will contain a preferred and alternate routes for the proposed power lines as well as a record of the public consultation program. The Commission will decide whether or not to approve the project based off this package as well as other public input it may receive. 

Public Hearing: After EPCOR completes community consultations and submits its Facility Application, the Alberta Utilities Commission will determine if a public hearing is required. If needed, this is a public meeting where impacted stakeholders can address Commission officials to register concerns they may have with the project. 


Regul​​at​ory process​​​​​​​

Once we receive this feedback we will review the route options and look to identify a preferred and alternate route for the 72 kV transmission line and the 240 kV transmission line. These will be submitted to the AUC as part of the Facility Application.

This project requires two regulatory approvals from the AUC before construction can begin:​

  • Approval of the Alberta Electric System Operator’s Needs Identification Document
  • Approval of EPCOR’s Facility Application

Once we submit our Facility Application, you can also make your concerns known directly with the AUC and participate in its process.

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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, pleas​e refer to AESO’s Need Overview. If you have any questions or concerns about the need for this project or the proposed transmission development to meet the need, you may contact the AESO directly. You can also make your questions or concerns known to an EPCOR representative who will collect your contact information for the purpose of addressing your questions and/or concerns to the AESO. This process may include disclosure of your contact information to the AESO.​

Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
Phone: 1 (888) 866-2959
Email: stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca
Website: www.aeso.ca

Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) 

Alberta’s electric system is regulated by the AUC. The AUC is an independent quasi-judicial agency that ensures the delivery of Alberta’s utility service takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public’s interest. The AUC must approve this project before EPCOR can begin construction. For more information about how you can participate in the process, please refer to the Par​ticipating in the AUC’s independent review process brochure​.

The AUC ensures that applications fit the electricity plan developed to meet the electricity need and forecast set by the Alberta Electric System Operator. It considers the public interest and the social, economic and environmental impacts from its decisions about proposed transmission lines. 

Contact the AUC 
Toll-free:1 (833) 511-4282
Phone: 310-4282
Website: www.auc.ab.ca​​​


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