When planning new power facilities, ATCO Electric encourages landowners to participate, as early as possible, in the process of selecting a route for a transmission line. If it looks like a transmission line may be routed on or near your property, we want you to tell us how you think the proposed line will impact you.
How will I know if a proposed transmission line route is on or near my property?
ATCO Electric will send information to all landowners who have property within about 800 metres (one-half mile) of any of the route possibilities. This does not always apply to land within incorporated villages, towns or cities, where we would give notice of the project through advertisements in the local newspaper.
Who can I talk to about my concerns?
Please contact us on our toll-free phone number at 1-866-650-2463, via email at HVDC@atcoelectric.com or submit a comment form with your feedback. We encourage you to contact us to provide your input, or receive more information.
During each stage of our consultation process, ATCO Electric’s planners, transmission engineers, land agents and service staff will be available to talk to you on a one-to-one basis. We note each participant’s feedback. Your input helps us evaluate potential adjustments to the route alternatives and eventually to determine which alternative has the least overall impact.
Can my opinion be important enough to change the route proposed for a transmission line?
Yes. Your opinions are important to us. In the past, there have been occasions where landowners brought up issues that convinced ATCO Electric’s planners and engineers to make changes in the proposed routes. However, it is important for you to make your issues known to us as soon as possible.
What happens after the landowner consultation?
After our representatives have met with potentially affected landowners, our planners evaluate all the factors and select a preferred route (and alternatives, if any). ATCO Electric then applies to the AUC for permission to build and operate the line.
We will notify you after we have submitted our application to the AUC, and we will advise you of the route(s) described in the application.
The list of landowners affected is forwarded to the AUC as part of the formal application. The AUC normally notifies landowners to determine if there are any objections, and/or to announce the date and place for a public hearing on the transmission line project. If necessary, a hearing date and location may also be advertised in your local newspaper.