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 moved to homes and businesses in the area. Distribution lines leaving the substation would be buried underground until they reach an existing or proposed distribution line.
2. Why are you proposing to build a new substation?
The northwest area of the city has been growing rapidly over the last couple of years and more development is planned. The high growth in the area means there is an increasing demand on the electrical system. The electrical infrastructure in the area will be at full capacity in the near future and a substation is required to continue to provide reliable electricity to the area.
3. Is the location of the proposed substation final?
No. ENMAX Power has assessed a number of options and has identified two proposed sites. Before we identify one preferred location and an application to the EUB for a final substation site, we want to understand questions and concerns from residents regarding the proposed sites. We hope to address these through the public involvement processes, additional information packages and open house meetings. Following the public involvement process, ENMAX Power (EPC) will submit an application to the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) for a Permit and License to build, operate and maintain the substation. The EUB is the governing body that regulates the energy industry in Alberta, including ENMAX Power. Building of the substation will not proceed until we receive a permit and license from the EUB. No decision is final until all stakeholder issues and questions have been addressed.
4. What is the proposed timeline?
We are gathering input from community stakeholders between November 2007 and January 2008. We hope to develop our application to the EUB in March 2008 for submission by the end of that month. To ensure existing customers are supplied with reliable electricity and new customers can be served, we would like to have the substation up and running by April 2009.
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 open to the public and can only be accessed by authorized personnel. For safety reasons all substations are constructed with minimum 2.5m high fencing to keep the public out.
8. What about EMF?
Exposure levels to EMF at your residence will not increase as a result of this substation. On a daily basis, most of us are exposed to electric and magnetic fields (EMF) generated by household wiring, lighting, computers and other electrical appliances, such as hair dryers, coffee makers, televisions and power tools. ENMAX understands some individuals may have concerns regarding electric and magnetic fields (EMF) and are an active member of the Canadian Electrical Association EMF task group, which monitors EMF research and related developments. We believe no single study will resolve this issue and support continued research in the area of EMF. ENMAX provides EMF information and consultation to customers upon request, and will conduct in-home magnetic field measurements free of charge.
9. What steps will ENMAX and its contractors take to protect the environment during construction?
ENMAX is committed to minimizing environmental impact and protecting natural resources. ENMAX and its contractors will use environmentally responsible techniques to protect topsoil, subsoil, vegetation and wildlife. Appropriate equipment and construction techniques will be used to minimize soil compaction, rutting, erosion and introduction of non-native vegetation.
10. What will it cost?
We estimate the overall cost for the new substation will be $5.5 to 8 million.
11.Who pays for it?
ENMAX Power recovers the cost of infrastructure to supply safe, reliable electricity to Calgarians through tariffs – or charges – that are regulated by the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB). The tariffs are billed by ENMAX Power to electricity retailers who pass these charges on to customers through their electricity bills. Specifically, the costs to build and maintain substations can be recovered through the Transmission Tariff and Distribution Tariff. For more information on ENMAX Power tariffs visit enmaxpower.com or call 310-2010. For more information on your electricity bill contact your local electricity retailer.
12. Who can I call with any questions or concerns?
Please take the opportunity to ask questions or share your concern with ENMAX. We would like an opportunity to meet with anyone who has a concern and try and address it if at all possible. We would encourage you to contact ENMAX at 514-1341 or contact us by email at substation47@enmax.com . You can also submit your concern to the Energy and Utilities Board.
For more information visit enmax.com/substation47
or call 514-1341.