If your property is situated in the general area between existing or proposed power substation or converter station locations, there is the possibility that a transmission line may be routed on or near your property.
ATCO Electric carries out detailed studies to identify route alternatives that will have the least impact on landowners, but it is impossible to avoid everyone’s property. The lines have to be built somewhere, and there are many factors to be considered.
The final decision on the specific location of a proposed transmission line is made by the Alberta Utilities Commission.
How are potential routes for a transmission line decided?
ATCO Electric’s planners carefully gather and study the best available information about the area between substation locations, to determine possible routes. Engineers, environmental specialists, surveyors, and construction personnel assist with these studies.
They get their information from maps and aerial photographs, site investigations, cost and technical studies, landowners, local governments and planning bodies, as well as various departments of the provincial and federal governments.
Alternative routes are selected to avoid, wherever possible, any problems or conflicts identified by the studies.
What factors does ATCO Electric consider when selecting potential routes for a transmission line?
Generally, our planners select routes that meet cost and technical criteria, while creating the least disruption to people, agriculture, industry and the environment.
Factors to consider could be:
- geographical features (lakes, rough terrain)
- cultivated land
- residential property and built-up areas
- other power lines
- pipelines and related facilities
- highways
- airports
- parks and environmentally sensitive areas
The nature and significance of route constraints vary for each project. Planners have to consider all known factors and constraints, then evaluate them to determine the most suitable preliminary route options.
Rules established by the Alberta Utilities Commission help guide the route and site planning and approval processes for transmission facilities.
Planning and Consultation Stages
