Altalink Epcor Heartland Transmission Project
Project Overview
What is the proposed Heartland Transmission Project?
The proposed Heartland Transmission Project (the project) involves the construction of a double circuit 500kV transmission line, which will connect the Heartland region (northeast of Fort Saskatchewan) to existing 500kV transmission facilities. AltaLink and EPCOR, the Heartland Project Team, are working together in the project's development.
Why is this project being undertaken?
The Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009 (formerly Bill 50) provides that the Heartland Project is Critical Transmission Infrastructure.
Who are the companies involved in the project? Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
The AESO is the independent, not-for-profit entity responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. For more information please visit www.aeso.ca
Transmission Facility Owners - TFO - Altalink and EPCOR
The two TFOs involved in the Heartland Transmission Project are AltaLink and EPCOR. These two companies are working together on this project, as the proposed transmission line may cross the service areas of AltaLink and EPCOR. TFOs require approvals to build and operate transmission lines.
For More Information about the Project, Including Route Maps: http://www.heartlandtransmission.ca/new/index.asp
What is the proposed Heartland Transmission Project?
The proposed Heartland Transmission Project (the project) involves the construction of a double circuit 500kV transmission line, which will connect the Heartland region (northeast of Fort Saskatchewan) to existing 500kV transmission facilities. AltaLink and EPCOR, the Heartland Project Team, are working together in the project's development.
Why is this project being undertaken?
The Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009 (formerly Bill 50) provides that the Heartland Project is Critical Transmission Infrastructure.
Who are the companies involved in the project? Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
The AESO is the independent, not-for-profit entity responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. For more information please visit www.aeso.ca
Transmission Facility Owners - TFO - Altalink and EPCOR
The two TFOs involved in the Heartland Transmission Project are AltaLink and EPCOR. These two companies are working together on this project, as the proposed transmission line may cross the service areas of AltaLink and EPCOR. TFOs require approvals to build and operate transmission lines.
For More Information about the Project, Including Route Maps: http://www.heartlandtransmission.ca/new/index.asp
Who Approves the Project?
Of the proposed preferred and alternate routes, only one route will be built if approved by the AUC. The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the Government of Alberta. AltaLink and EPCOR, the Heartland Project Team, must file an application with the AUC to obtain approval to construct and operate the Heartland Transmission Project.
AUC must determine whether the eventual application for the Heartland Project is in the public interest, having regard to its ecconomic, social and environmental impacts. The AUC will use a public hearing process to make that determination.
For more information about the AUC visit www.auc.ab.ca.
AUC must determine whether the eventual application for the Heartland Project is in the public interest, having regard to its ecconomic, social and environmental impacts. The AUC will use a public hearing process to make that determination.
For more information about the AUC visit www.auc.ab.ca.
How to Participate in a Facility Application
If you feel that you are directly and adversely affected by a by a proposed electric or gas facility you have an opportunity to participate in various steps of the Facility Application Process.
Prior to Application
In most cases, unless you are new to an area where a proposed facility application has already been submitted to the AUC, you have had the opportunity to be involved in consultation prior to the submission of the application to the AUC. This is the ideal time to discuss and determine an agreement that works for both parties in a collaborative manner. Consultation with the applicant is not restricted to landowners (as affected parties are often referred to as) but tenants and those who operate businesses on the land may also be involved in the process.
Become a Registered Party
Once the applicant has completed their consultation with landowners and other interested parties, an application is submitted to the AUC. If the AUC deems that the application is complete, a Notice of Application is then prepared by the AUC and sent out to the list of registered parties provided by the applicant, posted on the AUC website and published in the local newspaper(s). The Notice provides details on how interested parties can file submissions regarding the application.
As a registered party you are a person or group who has an interest in the land where the proposed facility is to be located. If you are new to the area you may be included as a registered party at any time during the application process and will receive updates on the application from the AUC by email (recommended) or mail. As a registered party you are considered an observer who is not actively participating or involved in the AUC proceeding.
Submit a Statement of Intent to Participate (SIP)
If you have unresolved issues with the applicant any time after they submit the application to the AUC and before the participation closing date specified on the Notice of Application you can submit a Statement of Intent to Participate (SIP). AUC Rule 001 Rules of Practice sets out the requirements for participation in AUC proceedings. The AUC requires that you submit a SIP to be considered for intervener status, which must include information that is set out in Rule 001 and is summarized below:
Under certain circumstances, the AUC will accept the filing of submissions by e-mail or in paper format. These documents can be sent to either [email protected] or to the following address:
Alberta Utilities Commission
Customer Information Services
10055 - 106 Street, 10th Floor
Edmonton, AB T5J 2Y2
If you need further information about intervening in an application, please contact the AUC by one of the methods provided below:
Phone: (780) 427-9362
Fax: (780) 427-6970
E-mail: [email protected]
Local Interveners
The AUC will evaluate the submissions and identify those who are considered local interveners.
Local interveners with standing may vary by application, however historically most utility facility siting applications consider a landowner or entitled occupant of land to have standing if he/she lives or operates a business within 800 meters of the proposed site. A description of those participants or interveners who will be considered to have standing within the scope of the application can be found either in the Pre-hearing Decision or the Notice of Hearing. You must have standing in an application to be eligible for potential recovery of costs related to the hearing.
As an Intervener, you are given an opportunity to state your case in writing and/or orally in a hearing through submitting evidence on the public record. You are also allowed to ask Information Requests (IRs) regarding the written evidence prepared by the Applicant and other parties and to cross-examine of expert witnesses that appear at the hearing.
If a hearing is needed a Notice of Hearing will be issued and sent out to all registered parities and advertised in local papers. The length of the hearing is estimated and varies with the number of issues and scope of what will be discussed. For more information on AUC Hearings see the Hearings page on the AUC website.
Recovering Costs to Participate
AUC Hearings are very similar to a court proceeding and you have the right to obtain legal counsel to assist you throughout the process. In addition, we strongly encourage efficiencies and recommend that when possible you make reasonable efforts to cooperate with other parties to reduce the duplication of evidence and questions. Please review Rule 009 Rules of Local Intervener Costs to review the requirements for the request for funds, scale of costs, and other related rules and requirements.
Prior to Application
In most cases, unless you are new to an area where a proposed facility application has already been submitted to the AUC, you have had the opportunity to be involved in consultation prior to the submission of the application to the AUC. This is the ideal time to discuss and determine an agreement that works for both parties in a collaborative manner. Consultation with the applicant is not restricted to landowners (as affected parties are often referred to as) but tenants and those who operate businesses on the land may also be involved in the process.
Become a Registered Party
Once the applicant has completed their consultation with landowners and other interested parties, an application is submitted to the AUC. If the AUC deems that the application is complete, a Notice of Application is then prepared by the AUC and sent out to the list of registered parties provided by the applicant, posted on the AUC website and published in the local newspaper(s). The Notice provides details on how interested parties can file submissions regarding the application.
As a registered party you are a person or group who has an interest in the land where the proposed facility is to be located. If you are new to the area you may be included as a registered party at any time during the application process and will receive updates on the application from the AUC by email (recommended) or mail. As a registered party you are considered an observer who is not actively participating or involved in the AUC proceeding.
Submit a Statement of Intent to Participate (SIP)
If you have unresolved issues with the applicant any time after they submit the application to the AUC and before the participation closing date specified on the Notice of Application you can submit a Statement of Intent to Participate (SIP). AUC Rule 001 Rules of Practice sets out the requirements for participation in AUC proceedings. The AUC requires that you submit a SIP to be considered for intervener status, which must include information that is set out in Rule 001 and is summarized below:
- a brief description of your concern with or interest in the application, in particular how approval of the application would directly and adversely affect you; and
- a brief explanation of your position, including why you believe that the Commission should accept your recommendation
- in cases where a party intends to apply for reimbursement of any costs incurred during the application process, please refer to AUC Rule 009 Rules on Local Intervener Costs.
- if you are represented by another party, please include the contact information for your representative. If you are a group, provide a contact person for the group and give details on the group members. Submissions should be addressed to the AUC.
Under certain circumstances, the AUC will accept the filing of submissions by e-mail or in paper format. These documents can be sent to either [email protected] or to the following address:
Alberta Utilities Commission
Customer Information Services
10055 - 106 Street, 10th Floor
Edmonton, AB T5J 2Y2
If you need further information about intervening in an application, please contact the AUC by one of the methods provided below:
Phone: (780) 427-9362
Fax: (780) 427-6970
E-mail: [email protected]
Local Interveners
The AUC will evaluate the submissions and identify those who are considered local interveners.
Local interveners with standing may vary by application, however historically most utility facility siting applications consider a landowner or entitled occupant of land to have standing if he/she lives or operates a business within 800 meters of the proposed site. A description of those participants or interveners who will be considered to have standing within the scope of the application can be found either in the Pre-hearing Decision or the Notice of Hearing. You must have standing in an application to be eligible for potential recovery of costs related to the hearing.
As an Intervener, you are given an opportunity to state your case in writing and/or orally in a hearing through submitting evidence on the public record. You are also allowed to ask Information Requests (IRs) regarding the written evidence prepared by the Applicant and other parties and to cross-examine of expert witnesses that appear at the hearing.
If a hearing is needed a Notice of Hearing will be issued and sent out to all registered parities and advertised in local papers. The length of the hearing is estimated and varies with the number of issues and scope of what will be discussed. For more information on AUC Hearings see the Hearings page on the AUC website.
Recovering Costs to Participate
AUC Hearings are very similar to a court proceeding and you have the right to obtain legal counsel to assist you throughout the process. In addition, we strongly encourage efficiencies and recommend that when possible you make reasonable efforts to cooperate with other parties to reduce the duplication of evidence and questions. Please review Rule 009 Rules of Local Intervener Costs to review the requirements for the request for funds, scale of costs, and other related rules and requirements.
Next Steps
Note: the AUC expects an application to be filed by EPCOR and AltaLink (if line goes through Edmonton) or AltaLink will apply. It is expected an application will be filed in May/June, 2010. After Application completed: hearing date is determined, as well as Intervenors, etc and hearing is held.
Next Steps:
- Early public information sessions
- EPCOR and AltaLink file application
- Application reviewed by the Commission for completeness
- Pre-hearing meeting
- Notice of Hearing
- Full public hearing
AUC Hearings Schedule: http://www.auc.ab.ca/applications/hearings/Pages/default.aspx
Next Steps:
- Early public information sessions
- EPCOR and AltaLink file application
- Application reviewed by the Commission for completeness
- Pre-hearing meeting
- Notice of Hearing
- Full public hearing
AUC Hearings Schedule: http://www.auc.ab.ca/applications/hearings/Pages/default.aspx
Other Links:
ERCB Energy Resources Conservation Board
The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the Government of Alberta.
http://www.ercb.ca/portal/server.pt
Alberta Environment http://environment.alberta.ca/index.html
Alberta Environmental Assessment Process
The Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB) is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the Government of Alberta.
http://www.ercb.ca/portal/server.pt
Alberta Environment http://environment.alberta.ca/index.html
Alberta Environmental Assessment Process