Heartland Transmission Development
The AESO is responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES). As such, we have identified current and future proposals for bitumen upgraders and other associated industries in the Alberta Industrial Heartland area as having the potential to significantly increase electricity demand over the next five to seven years. The increase in demand will require major transmission reinforcement into the Fort Saskatchewan area by 2012/2013; including, conceivably, a major 500 kilovolt (kV) transmission facility.
Throughout 2007, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) conducted a participant involvement program to discuss our outlook for major electricity transmission reinforcement into the Industrial Heartland area of Alberta in Sturgeon, Strathcona and Lamont Counties. During a series of Open Houses and meetings, the AESO received feedback from stakeholders related to the development of transmission facilities to support the growing demand in this area.
Based on the input received during the participant involvement program and our technical and cost analysis, the AESO has concluded that an “East side double-circuit 500/240 kilovolt” (“kV”) (Option IIIB) is our preferred option at this time. We have further concluded that there is a second viable option, a “West side double-circuit 500 kV” (Option IB) capable of meeting the electricity needs in the Heartland area.
More information on the project can be found here:
If you have any questions regarding the Heartland Transmission Development project, please contact us at Stakeholder Relations or 1-888-866-2959. The AESO is committed to protecting your personal privacy in accordance with Alberta's Personal Information Protection Act. Any personal information collected by the AESO with regard to this project may be used to provide you with further information about the project, may be disclosed to the Alberta Utilities Commission (and as a result, may become public), and may also be disclosed to the eligible Transmission Facility Owner.