The Alberta Electric System Operator is proposing to construct at least one, and perhaps two, 500 kilovolt transmission lines from Edmonton to Calgary over the next few years.

While there is no doubt the province needs additional infrastructure to meet its growing demand for electricity, large transmission lines may not be the best choice.

Alberta consumers deserve a comprehensive public evaluation of all viable options to meet their need for reliable power, including new transmission lines, generation located next to major loads, and voluntary load curtailment (also known as “demand response”).

The benefits of evolving technologies such as microgeneration and advanced metering must also be considered. 

If it turns out, based on a comprehensive evaluation, that large transmission lines are the best option, they should be built.

On the other hand, if other technically, environmentally, and socially acceptable alternatives can be developed at a lower cost, Alberta’s Transmission Regulation should support those alternatives over transmission.

ENMAX Corporation has prepared two papers on this issue.

1. The first is a two page summary, entitled “Does Alberta have Alternatives to New 500 kV lines?”

2. A comprehensive White Paper, entitled “Fostering the Efficient Development of Alberta’s Electricity Infrastructure through Changes to the Transmission Regulation”. This paper more fully explores transmission and non-transmission options to meet Alberta’s growing demand for electricity.

Both of these documents can be accessed at www.enmax.com/500KVLine.

ENMAX Corporation, through subsidiaries and predecessors, has provided Albertans with safe and reliable electricity for more than 100 years. ENMAX provides electricity, natural gas and value-added services to more than half a million residential, commercial and industrial customer accounts in Alberta. Through a subsidiary, ENMAX Energy is one of Alberta’s largest investors in renewable energy with partial ownership of the McBride Lake Wind Farm and complete ownership of the Taber Wind Farm. ENMAX Energy’s Greenmax was one of the first green power marketing programs in Canada, and celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2008. Visit our website at enmax.com.

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