1. What is a substation?
A substation consists of high voltage electrical equipment such as transformers, switch gear, and circuit breakers. The purpose of a substation is to "step down" high voltage electricity from the transmission system to lower voltage electricity in the distribution system so it can be easily supplied to homes and businesses in the area.
2. What's the difference between transmission and distribution lines?
Besides the voltage, transmission lines typically are mounted on taller wood poles or steel towers. Distribution lines are most often mounted on wooden poles such as the ones seen on city streets and alleys or they are buried underground.
3. Why are new substations required?
Calgary has been growing rapidly and more development is planned. The high growth in certain areas means there is need for more electricity. When the electrical infrastructure in an area is at full capacity a substation is required to continue to provide reliable electricity.
4. Is the location of the proposed substations final?
No. The location of the substations are not final until ENMAX has received approval for a license and permit from the Alberta Utilites Commission (AUC). The EUB is the governing body that regulates the energy industry in Alberta. The exact location of the substation is subject to a number of things. First of all ENMAX will review the area from an engineering perspective and review load requirements, location of existing transmission and distribution lines, etc. Wherever possible, substations are located in Provincial Transportation Utility Corridors. Once ENMAX Power has researched the area, we identify a proposed site and at least two alternate sites. Before we apply for a license and permit from the EUB, we want to understand what questions, if any, people who work and live in the area may have regarding each site. We hope to address those questions through different public involvement processes, information packages and meetings. Following the public involvement process, ENMAX Power submits an application to the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) for a permit and license to build, operate and maintain the substation. Building of the substation will not proceed until we receive a permit and license from the EUB.
5. What does a substation look like?
A substation consists of a fenced off area containing a building and a yard with electrical equipment. While the technical and safety requirements of a substation cannot be compromised, we are open to suggestions regarding the overall appearance of the substation. We have some flexibility regarding landscaping such as trees, shrubs and fencing providing associated costs are approved by the EUB.
6. Is a substation noisy?
No. If you are standing beside a substation you may hear a low humming or buzzing sound from the energized equipment within the fenced off area.
7. Is it safe?
Electricity can be very dangerous if it is not treated with respect. Because substations have high voltage they are not accessible to the public and can only be entered by authorized personnel. For safety reasons all substations are constructed with minimum 2.5m high fencing to keep the public out. If you lose an object in a substation, call 514-6100, and we'll get it back for you. For electrical safety tips visit Safety Awareness From ENMAX.
8. What does each substation cost?
We estimate the overall cost for a new substation will be $5 to 6 million.
9. Who pays for it?
ENMAX Power recovers the cost of substation infrastructure to supply safe, reliable electricity to Calgarians through the Transmission Tariff – or charges. The Transmission Tariff is set by the Transmission Administrator (TA) and is approved by the TA's regulator, the Alberta Utilites Commission (AUC).The Transmission Tariff is billed to electricity distribution companies who in turn pass these charges on to electricity retailers. Electricity retailers then pass these tariffs onto customers through their electricity bills. Specifically, the costs to build and maintain substations are recovered through the Transmission Tariff.