Cypress Substation Upgrade
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October 2011 Volume 1 CONTACT US 1-877-269-5903 [email protected] www.albertaelectricityfuture.ca/satr Electric system developments near you Cypress Substation Upgrade DID YOU KNOW? Alberta marked a new power usage record this July as residents across the province turned on air condioners to beat the heat of summer. As temperatures soared, residents and businesses looking for relief started drawing more power from the grid. The transmission system works behind the scenes 24 hours a day so your comfort is uncompromised despite the heat of summer or the chill of winter. We want to provide you with: • project details • map of the proposed development • project schedule • informaon about how you can provide your input S o u t h S a s k a t c h e w a n R i v e r SASKATCHEWAN CYPRESS COUNTY SPECIAL AREAS NO. 2 C.F.B. Suffield 555 528 41 41 886 REDCLIFF MEDICINE HAT White Horse Lake Red Deer Lake Chappice Lake Sam Lake Dishpan Lake Schuler Lake Bowmanton McNeill Hilda Pivot Schuler Cavendish Buffalo CYPRESS 562S Existing Substation Proposed Substation Upgrade You are receiving this newsleer because you are near the proposed Cypress Substaon Upgrade and we want your input. LEGEND DEFINITION Substaon Substaons are the connecon point between high-voltage transmission lines and the lower voltage power lines (called distribuon lines) that connect directly to homes and businesses. Aſter a transmission line brings power to a substaon, its voltage is reduced so it can be transported safely and efficiently to you.
description
Cypress Substation Upgrade newsletter from AltaLink. This project is is part of an area transmission development called the Southern Alberta Transmission Reinforcement (SATR). This reinforcement includes new transmission lines and upgrades to the electric system in southern Alberta. These projects will connect new wind-generated power to Alberta's electric system and strengthen the transmission system in the area.
Transcript of Cypress Substation Upgrade
October 2011 Volume 1
CONTACT US1-877-269-5903
www.albertaelectricityfuture.ca/satr
Electric system developments near youCypress Substation Upgrade
DiD yOU kNOw?Alberta marked a new power usage record this July as residents across the province turned on air conditioners to beat the heat of summer. As temperatures soared, residents and businesses looking for relief started drawing more power from the grid. The transmission system works behind the scenes 24 hours a day so your comfort is uncompromised despite the heat of summer or the chill of winter.
We want to provide you with:
• project details
• map of the proposed development
• project schedule
• information about how you can provide your input
Sou
th Sa
skat
chew
an R
iver
SASK
ATCH
EWA
N
CYPRESSCOUNTY
SPECIAL AREAS NO. 2
C . F . B .S u f f i e l d
555
528
41
41
886
REDCLIFF MEDICINE HAT
WhiteHorseLake
Red DeerLake
ChappiceLake
Sam Lake
DishpanLake
SchulerLake
Bowmanton
McNeill
Hilda
Pivot
Schuler
BindlossCavendish
Buffalo
CYPRESS562S
Existing Substation Proposed Substation Upgrade
Sou
th Sa
skat
chew
an R
iver
SASK
ATCH
EWA
N
CYPRESSCOUNTY
SPECIAL AREAS NO. 2
C . F . B .S u f f i e l d
555
528
41
41
886
REDCLIFF MEDICINE HAT
WhiteHorseLake
Red DeerLake
ChappiceLake
Sam Lake
DishpanLake
SchulerLake
Bowmanton
McNeill
Hilda
Pivot
Schuler
BindlossCavendish
Buffalo
CYPRESS562S
Existing Substation Proposed Substation Upgrade
You are receiving this newsletter because you are near the
proposed Cypress Substation Upgrade and we want your input.
LEGEND
DEfiNiTiON
SubstationSubstations are the connection point between high-voltage transmission lines and the lower voltage power lines (called distribution lines) that connect directly to homes and businesses. After a transmission line brings power to a substation, its voltage is reduced so it can be transported safely and efficiently to you.
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Project backgroundThe Cypress Substation Upgrade is a project identified as part of the Southern Alberta Transmission Reinforcement (SATR). SATR includes many proposed projects in southern Alberta that will provide Albertans with access to new wind generated power. Existing transmission lines and substations in the southern part of the province do not have the capacity to connect power generated from new wind farm projects. To connect this wind generated power to the electric grid, new transmission projects are being proposed to move the wind power from where it’s generated to where you need it.
The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) filed a Needs Application for the SATR with the AUC in December 2008. The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) held a public hearing to review the need for these projects in 2009 and approved the need later that year.
More information about the SATR can be found online at www.albertaelectricityfuture.ca/satr.
DEfiNiTiON
Electric grid Alberta’s electric grid is comprised of power plants, thousands of kilometres of power lines (high-voltage transmission lines and lower voltage distribution lines) and hundreds of substations. The electric grid works behind the scenes 24 hours a day to keep your lights on.
DEfiNiTiON
Alberta Electric System OperatorThe Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is the independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the Alberta electric system.
DEfiNiTiON
Needs ApplicationThe AESO submits Needs Applications to the AUC for review. A Needs Application describes why a transmission project is required. The AUC may review a Needs Application at the same time it reviews a Facilities Application, or may review each application separately. The AUC must approve a Needs Application before construction can begin.
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Alberta Utilities CommissionThe Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) ensures the fair and responsible delivery of Alberta’s utility services. AltaLink submits applications for new transmission projects to the AUC and the AUC reviews them in a public process.
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Project detailsThis proposed project includes:
• adding a static VAR compensator (SVC) control system to the substation
• constructing a new substation diameter
• expanding the substation fence line
The AESO identified the need to increase the reliability of the Cypress area by adding an SVC to Cypress Substation. The SVC will control the voltage levels and will help to balance the power within the electrical power grid in the Cypress Area.
The Cypress Substation is located in NE 34-19-1-W4M, south of the Village of Empress in Cypress County. As a result of the equipment addition the noise level at the substation may increase, but we will ensure noise does not exceed AUC guidelines.
The new substation diameter is proposed to be the connection point for the proposed East Palliser transmission line. You may have already received information about the proposed East Palliser Transmission Project. It involves building new transmission facilities to connect the Wildrose 1 and 2 Wind Power Projects to the electric grid.
To accommodate the new equipment, the Cypress Substation needs to be expanded approximately 117 metres by 129 metres (384 feet by 423 feet) to the west onto Crown land.
DEfiNiTiON
Static VAR compensator (SVC)An SVC is an electrical device that regulates voltage and helps balance power within the electrical power grid. The purpose of the compensator is to provide dynamic voltage control and reduce fast voltage variations that help to ensure the safety and reliability of the electric system.
DEfiNiTiON
Substation diameterA substation diameter is a structure inside a substation that serves as the end connection point for new electrical equipment like an SVC
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Providing your inputStakeholder input is important to us. You can provide your input in any of the following ways:
PARTiCiPATiNg iN A ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATiON
We will contact all occupants, residents and landowners who are on or directly adjacent to the substation location to gather input through one-on-one consultations.
During the one-on-one process we will document the information you provide and address any questions or concerns you may have about the project.
AltaLink is committed to sharing information about its projects and working with the public to ensure stakeholder input and concerns are heard and addressed. A summary of stakeholder comments will be incorporated into the application we submit to the AUC.
CONTACTiNg US diRECTLy
You can contact us by telephone, email, mail or through our website. Our contact information is on the front and back pages of this newsletter.
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Next stepsAfter our consultation process is complete we will file a Facilities Application with the AUC and it will be reviewed through a process in which stakeholders can participate.
To learn more about the AUC process and how you can become involved, please refer to the brochure included in this package titled Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities Applications.
Anticipated project scheduleAltaLink will communicate and consult with you throughout the project steps listed below.
Notify and consult with stakeholders Fall 2011
File application with Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Spring 2012
Start construction if project is approved Fall 2013
Complete construction Spring 2014
Although we attempt to follow the anticipated project schedule it is subject to change. We
will continue to provide you with updated schedule information as the project progresses.
DEfiNiTiON
Facilities ApplicationAltaLink submits Facilities Applications to the AUC for review. A Facilities Application describes how AltaLink proposes to meet the requirement for a transmission project. it includes routing details, results of the participant involvement program and technical details. Facilities Applications must be approved by the AUC before construction can begin.
DiD yOU kNOw?Since the energization of AltaLink’s southwest 240 kV transmission project, Albertans now have access to twice as much clean, green wind power. This 90-kilometre transmission line between Pincher Creek and Lethbridge links wind energy generated in southern Alberta to the rest of the electric system.
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Local project benefitsUpgrading the transmission system in the area will allow new, green energy to connect to the electric system. The transmission system encourages investment in our province and provides Albertans with access to safe and reliable power at the flick of a switch or the push of a button.
Projects in the area AltaLink is working on another project in the area to make sure your lights come on at the flick of the switch.
Project description Status
East Palliser Transmission Project
AltaLink is proposing two new transmission lines, a new switching station in Cypress County and to make additions to the Bowmanton and Cypress substations to connect NaturEner’s proposed Wild Rose 1 and 2 Wind Power Projects to the electric system. Each wind power project will provide up to 200 megawatts (MW) of additional wind power to the province’s electric system.
AUC pre-hearing was held September 27, 2011. A hearing has not been scheduled at this time.
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ALTALiNkAltaLink’s transmission system efficiently delivers electricity to 85 per cent of Albertans. dedicated to meeting the growing need for electricity, AltaLink connects Albertans to renewable, reliable and low-cost power. With a commitment to community and environment, AltaLink is ensuring the transmission system will support Albertans’ quality of life for years to come. Learn more at www.altalink.ca.
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More information
To learn more about the proposed project please contact:
ALTALiNk
1-877-269-5903 (toll-free) Email: [email protected]
To learn more about Alberta’s electricity system and the need for the project, please contact:
ALbERTA ELECTRiC SySTEm OPERATOR (AESO)
1-888-866-2959 (toll-free) Email: [email protected]
To learn more about the application and review process, please contact:
ALbERTA UTiLiTiES COmmiSSiON (AUC)
780-427-4903 (You can call toll-free by dialing 310-0000 before the number) Email: [email protected]
2611 - 3rd Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2A 7W7
Printed on paper using post-consumer content
iNCLUDED iN ThiS iNfOrMATiON PACkAgE:• Project map
• AltaLink brochure: A Dialogue on Electric & Magnetic Fields
• AltaLink brochure: Good Neighbours
• AUC brochure: Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities Applications
