August 2013

Spring Coulee Substation Upgrade

AltaLink’s transmission system efficiently delivers electricity to 85% 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

You are receiving this newsletter because you are near the proposed Definition: Substation Spring Coulee Substation Upgrade project and we want your input. Substations are the connection points between power lines of This project is being proposed to maintain the safety and reliability of varying voltages and contain the electric system in the area. equipment that control and protect the flow of power. Substations The Spring Coulee Substation is located at SE-15-4-24-W4 in include transformers that step down County, approximately 15 kilometres (nine miles) northeast of Cardston. and step up the voltage so power can be transmitted through transmission lines or distributed to your community through distribution lines.

1-877-269-5903

[email protected]

www.altalink.ca/regionalprojects

Project details We are installing a new transformer and other minor equipment at the substation. A new control building may also be required.

This work will require the fenced area of the substation – owned by AltaLink – to be expanded by approximately 26 by 37 metres (85 by 121 feet) to the west, which is shown on the attached map. We will need to acquire new lands and current property boundaries will be amended to reflect this change. AltaLink pays fair market value for land purchases.

Power outages are required during the construction activities to upgrade the substation. We are working on alternatives to limit and possibly remove any power interruptions to customers.

Substation equipment defined: A transformer steps down the voltage in a substation so power can be distributed safely to your community through distribution lines. Transformers also step up the voltage so power can be transmitted through transmission lines. The new transformer will step down 69 kV (69,000 volts) to 25 kV (25,000 volts).

The control building ensures that electrical equipment housed within it – such as controls, batteries and meters – are protected.

Next steps The Electric System Operator (AESO) received an application from FortisAlberta Inc. for this transmission system development and will file a Needs Application with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). After our consultation process is complete we will file a Facilities Application with the AUC. The AUC will review both the Needs Application and the Facilities Application at the same time 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. For more information about why this project is needed, please refer to the AESO’s Need Spring Coulee Substation Overview included with this package, or visit www.aeso.ca.

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Anticipated project schedule Included in this information Notify stakeholders August/September 2013 package: File Facilities Application with December 2013 Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) • AUC brochure: Public Start construction if project is May/June 2014 Involvement in Needs or approved Facilities Applications Complete construction if project is December 2014 • AESO Need Overview • Project map approved

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. Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF) AltaLink recognizes that people Projects in the area have concerns about exposure to We are working on the following project to ensure your lights come on EMF and we take those concerns at the flick of the switch. Project name Description Status very seriously. Everyone in our Goose Lake to Approximately 170 to 205 Public consultation society is exposed to EMF from Coulee km of new 240 kV continuing many sources, including: Transmission transmission line • power lines and other Project electrical facilities • electrical appliances in Contact us your home • building wiring To learn more about the proposed project, please contact:

AltaLink at 1-877-269-5903 (toll free) National and international Email: [email protected] organizations such as the World Website: www.altalink.ca/regionalprojects Health Organization and Health To learn more about Alberta’s electric system and the need for the have been conducting and project, please contact: reviewing research about EMF for Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) at 1-888-866-2959 more than 40 years. Based on this Email: [email protected] research, these organizations have

not recommended the general To learn more about the application and review process, please contact: public take steps to limit their Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) at 780-427-4903 everyday exposure to EMF from (You can call toll-free by dialing 310-0000 before the number) high voltage transmission lines. If Email: [email protected] you have any questions about EMF please contact us at [email protected] or 1 -866- 451-7817 (toll free).

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