WEST TRANSMISSION UPGRADE PROJECT UPDATE December 2018

You are receiving this information because you are a landowner, resident, occupant or interested party near the West Edmonton Transmission Upgrade Project, and we would like to update you on the next phase of this project. What’s New? Our Commitment Poundmaker Substation Meadowlark Substation We understand this development will impact people Over the last two years, we have and recognize that some stakeholders still have concerns. We take those concerns seriously and are discussed the West Edmonton committed to continuing to work with those affected Transmission Upgrade Project on an individual basis to address their concerns. Stakeholders can still provide feedback about this with over 1,100 homeowners, project to both us and the AUC while our Facility residents, businesses and other Application is being considered.

interested stakeholders located EPCOR: near the proposed transmission 780-412-4040 development asking for feedback [email protected] on route options and potential www.epcor.com/consultation impacts. Thank you to everyone AUC: who took the time to share your www.auc.ab.ca comments with us. 105 Ave NW Based on the research we have done and 84 Ave NW the feedback received, we have determined Project LEGEND LEGEND a preferred route for the transmission line Proposed fence expansion Proposed 240 kV/ Existing fence Proposed new building with that we believe has the lowest overall 72 kV transformer and 72kV circuit breakers Background Preferred Route Transmission line impact. An alternate route has also been 72 kV circuit breaker Segment Common to Alternate Route Proposed 240 kV Preferred and Alternate Meadowlark Relay Room selected for consideration. We have also The West Edmonton Transmission Upgrade Project Routes Proposed new Gantry circuit breaker Expansion (approved and submitted a Facility Application with the involves upgrading the transmission system in completed)

Structure (Structure G) Proposed fence expansion 154 St NW Existing fence Utilities Commission (AUC) for Edmonton to improve reliability and reduce the risk Proposed new Gantry approval of either the preferred or alternate of power outages. Structure (Structure G) route. The AUC is an independent quasi- judicial agency responsible for approving The proposed project includes: power transmission facilities in Alberta. • Constructing approximately 9.5 km of above- The Preferred and Alternate If the West Edmonton Transmission ground 72 kilovolt (kV) transmission line from the Upgrade Project is approved, the AUC Poundmaker substation (18944 105 Avenue) to Transmission Line Route Options the Meadowlark substation (15404 84 Avenue). will also decide which route will be Determining the route of a new power line Based on the research we have done and the approved for construction. is a complex process. We considered a number • Adding two 72 kV circuit breakers, and feedback we received, we have determined a of important factors when evaluating possible A map showing the preferred and alternate associated switches and equipment to the preferred route for the transmission line that we routes, including: routes and information about how the Meadowlark substation. believe has the lowest overall impact. An alternate feedback we received was used in our • Input from local stakeholders route has also been selected for consideration. • Adding one 240 kV/72 kV transformer, one decision-making is included in this package. • Public and employee health and safety Our preferred route option sites the transmission More information about the next steps of 240 kV circuit breaker, one 72 kV circuit breaker and associated switches and equipment to the • The environment line in an area specifically designed for powerline the regulatory process and how you can development – a Transportation Utility Corridor Poundmaker substation. • Existing infrastructure available to be used continue to be involved is also included. (TUC) – and utilizes existing distribution power line or paralleled • Expanding the existing fences at both the alignments, where possible. Poundmaker and Meadowlark substations. • Proximity to existing Transportation Utility Corridors (TUC) The alternate route option sites the transmission Please note the layout of the new equipment in line near existing linear developments (roads and • Electrical requirements the substations has changed slightly since the last alley ways) along 170 Street and utilizes existing project update. • Cost transmission structures and rights-of-way along • Visual and social impacts 105 Avenue. • Construction impacts and access to facilities during maintenance • Special constraints and considerations

1 2 107 Ave

107 Ave. LEGEND

105 Ave Poundmaker Substation

Meadowlark Substation

Preferred Route Mayfield Rd NW

178 St. NW Alternate Route Anthony Henday/Highway 216 Segment Common to the Preferred and Stony Plain Rd NW Alternate Routes

TUC boundaries 100 Ave. NW 184 St. NW

100 Ave. NW

Only one route will be built. The map shows the preferred 156 St. NW and alternate routes under consideration.

95 Ave. NW

95 Ave. NW 95 Ave. NW

189 St. NW 178 St. NW 170 St. NW 163 St. NW 149 St. NW Anthony Henday/Highway 216

West Edmonton Mall

87 Ave. NW Meadowlark Rd. NW

87 Ave. NW 87 Ave. NW 156 St. NW

What is a Transportation Utility Corridor (TUC)? The Government of Alberta established Restricted Development Areas (RDAs) in the mid-1970s. The lands in these areas were designated for TUC uses. The intended primary uses within TUCs are linear transportation and utility facilities, which includes Whitemud Dr. NW Whitemud Dr. NW power transmission lines.

3 4 Route Alignment in the Transportation Cost Estimates for Proposed 72 kV How Stakeholder Feedback Utility Corridor (TUC) along the Transmission Line Only Anthony Henday Influenced the Route Options Preferred Route The preferred route option maximizes our ability Stakeholder feedback is important to us and • The integrity of the retaining wall along to build the new transmission line in a TUC, an Constructed Overhead* $14.09M influenced the routes we put forward to the AUC for ; area specifically designed for transportation and approval. The following section provides an overview utility development, including power lines. When Buried Underground** $65.78M of how the feedback was used in determining the • Lane closures and traffic congestion along we spoke with residents in the area about the preferred and alternate route options. Whitemud Drive during construction, project, many asked if the proposed location of the Alternate Route maintenance and outages; and transmission line could be moved further west to Removal of Route Options along Stony • The City’s current and future landscaping limit its visual impact. Constructed Overhead* $13.95M Plain Road, 175 Street and 99A Avenue and beautification plans in the area. Alberta Infrastructure has confirmed that the Buried Underground** $63.92M is a highly congested road with Should the project be approved, we are proposing currently proposed location of the line in the TUC is limited room to build or install new electrical that the new transmission line along Whitemud the optimal design solution based on existing and * Cost estimates are + 20% / - 10% and have been rounded to two facilities. Building a new transmission line here decimal places. Estimates include cost of burying one distribution Drive be installed in one of two fashions: planned utility and road infrastructure within the line in proposed overbuild areas. would not only impact stakeholders in the area, but TUC. The pre-planned locations of the utility and ** Preliminary cost estimates are + / - 30% and have been rounded to also increase traffic congestion during construction • Between 156 Street and 170 Street: road infrastructure inhibit the opportunity to modify two decimal places. and when the transmission line had to be accessed or relocate the route further west within the TUC. Utilizing the existing road right-of-way and Burying a power line is more expensive to build and in the future for maintenance or during outages. distribution line. Every second or third existing maintain compared to an above-ground power line. distribution pole would be replaced with a Environment When compared to the alternative – installing the Because we are obligated to propose a route with taller transmission structure to allow the new transmission line along 105 Avenue where other Stakeholders told us it is important to minimize the lowest overall impact to customers - including transmission line to be installed above one of transmission infrastructure already exists – the potential impacts to the environment. We cost - we are proposing an overhead power line. the distribution circuits (see Structure C). The Stony Plain Road option was assessed as having have modified routing to reduce the amount of second distribution circuit would be removed and a greater impact, and was therefore removed from vegetation removal required within the TUC, and Cost Estimate: Total Project relocated underground. Burying a distribution focused on placing other routes near existing the routes being considered. Total project costs include construction of an power line is significantly less expensive development. Any vegetation removed during overhead 72 kV transmission line, upgrades to the than burying a transmission line because less the construction process will be done outside of Route Alignment along Whitemud Poundmaker and Meadowlark substations, project equipment and infrastructure is required, bird migration and nesting periods. Environmental management, land management and contingency. Drive, North of the Sound Wall and the cost of materials is cheaper. impacts will be assessed as part of our Facility When we met with area residents about the Application to the AUC. • Between 170 Street and the Anthony Henday: proposed route, several people asked us to place Total Cost Along new transmission poles installed in the the new transmission line on the south side of road right-of-way (Structures A and B). Underground Cost Estimates Preferred Route $34.24M the sound wall along Whitemud Drive to limit We heard from a number of stakeholders that potential visual impacts. After exploring this option they would prefer the new transmission line Alternate Route $33.98M with the City of Edmonton, the option to move be built underground. Based on that feedback, the transmission line south of the sound wall was Cost estimates are + 20% / - 10% and have been rounded to two we have completed preliminary cost estimates decimal places. ruled out because of concerns about the proposed for burying the preferred and alternative routes. line’s impact on: See the tables at right.

5 6 Existing 240kV power line TUC CROSS What Will the New Structure A SECTION Transmission Line Look Like? Transmission The cross section images on the left show Only

Proposed what the proposed transmission line will look new 72kV like along different sections of the preferred power line and alternate routes in relation to existing Anthony roadways and other utility infrastructure. Henday Drive Northbound TUC Property line Proposed Structure Type

Row BoundaryRow BoundaryRow The typical structures we plan to use will West East either be wood or composite poles, ranging 15m 15m 30m 30m in height from approximately 18 to 26 metres. 97m to 348m 39m to 93m The diameter of the typical structures at 475m the ground surface will range between approximately 0.65 to 1.0 metres.

In areas where no distribution or WHITEMUD DRIVE transmission facilities exist and new Proposed transmission structures need to be installed, Transmission CROSS SECTION new 72kV Line power line new single circuit transmission poles will be installed (see Structures A and B).

Where possible, we propose to install the new 72 kV transmission line using existing City utility rights-of-way and follow the alignment Property Line of an existing double-circuit distribution line Whitemud Drive (see Structure C). Edge of roadway Edge of roadway

South North A section of the alternate route, from the Poundmaker Substation to approximately Various underground 10m to 58m 172 Street, follows an existing 240 kV facilities transmission line that is only strung on one

35m to 50m 29m to 89m side of the structure. For this section, we propose to string new wires on the unstrung side of the existing transmission structure (see Structure D). New dead end structures Proposed will also be required in this section (see new 72kV 170 street power line Structure E). cross section Existing 15kV Non-Typical Structures power line Structures E, F and G represent examples of the non-typical structures that we may need to use at certain locations along the transmission line, including where the line City Property turns corners, has to span larger distances, Line Sound wall or crosses existing transmission lines. Non- Structure A Transmission Only 170 Street typical structures may be wood, composite Portions of the route will be primarily single-circuit, Edge of roadway Edge of roadway or steel, ranging in height from approximately meaning they will have three wires strung across West East 18 to 34 metres. them and one overhead shield wire, which includes 35m to 45m 1m to 7m 5m to 8m 5m to 8m fibre optic cables inside, on top. This is the most 10m to 16m The diameter of the non-typical structures common pole type. at the ground surface will range between approximately 1.0 to 1.5 metres.

*Drawings are not to scale (NTS) and dimensions are approximate *Images not to scale

7 8 Structure B Structure C Structure D Structure E Transmission Transmission and existing Structure, Single Pole Vertical Only Distribution Single Side Strung Dead end

Transmission Line

Distribution Line

Structure B Transmission Only Structure C Transmission and Distribution Structure D Existing Structure, Single Side Strung Structure E Single Pole Vertical Dead End Where aerial clearance is limited, a structure that has Portions of the routes under consideration follow New wires will be installed on the side of the existing This pole may be used where the proposed three wires strung to one side may be used. existing distribution lines. For these sections, we 240 kV pole line that is unstrung. transmission line turns corners. propose to remove some of the current poles (approximately 14 metres tall) and install new poles (ranging from 18 to 26 metres in height) that will have the new transmission line on top and the existing distribution line(s) underneath. One of the existing distribution circuits will be removed and relocated below ground. *Images not to scale 9 10 Structure F Structure G Definitions Two Pole Double Substation Gantry Transmission Lines and Substations Dead end Structure Transmission lines are like highways, moving high-voltage electricity from generating stations to distribution points (called substations) where the high-voltage electricity gets stepped down to lower voltages.

Distribution Lines Once voltages are stepped down at a substation, the electricity travels along distribution wires. These lines are the ones that leave a substation and make their way to our homes or businesses.

Fibre Optic Cables Fibre optic cables provide a communications link between neighbouring substations and EPCOR’s control centre. This enables EPCOR to monitor and remotely control its transmission equipment, communicate with other transmission operators, and ensure the safety and reliability of EPCOR’s transmission system.

Structure F Two Pole Double Dead End Structure G Substation Gantry Structure This structure may be used to allow the new Proposed at the Meadowlark Substation. A similar 72 kV line to cross underneath existing 240 kV structure is also proposed at the Poundmaker Substation. lines without burying it. This structure may change slightly during detailed design.

*Images not to scale 11 12 to construction. The purpose of the study is All proposed work spaces for the project will Consultation to identify potential areas where induction be safe and secure, and construction activities may occur. During construction we will assist will comply with City of Edmonton bylaws, Update landowners with investigating the need to Occupational Health and Safety requirements, and ground metallic objects under or near the line. our strict health, safety and environment program. AESO directs EPCOR to begin facility Throughout our discussions with stakeholders, application process for siting and routing various concerns and questions were brought • Contact with an overhead or downed power line: We understand that construction impacts can be forward. The feedback gathered during personal We are committed to the safety of our challenging; however, they are generally short in consultations was documented and included in the customers and employees. We ensure that our nature. Our construction team will work as quickly EPCOR begins the facility application Facility Application filed with the AUC. This section t existing and proposed electrical facilities adhere and safely as possible to minimize potential impacts. n outlines the feedback received from stakeholders – e to all applicable electrical and safety legislation, m p

broken into key themes – and our responses. o guidelines, standards, codes and regulations. Property Value l EPCOR EPCOR EPCOR We sought to minimize potential impacts by asks selects ev e evaluates Visual Impacts Underground Routing Alternatives proposing to build the new transmission line D public locations impacts The new transmission line will be visible from Burying a power line is more expensive to build in areas specifically designed for powerline opinion and routes some residences in the area. In order to reduce and maintain than an above-ground power line. development like the Transportation Utility Corridor potential visual impacts where possible, existing Because we are obligated to propose a route with along the Anthony Henday, and utilizing existing linear corridors (roads, and existing transmission the lowest overall impact to customers – including corridors, where possible. and distribution lines) were followed or overbuilt. cost – we are proposing an overhead power line. Noise AESO files needs EPCOR submits Health and Safety Based on the feedback we received from The addition of a transformer at the Poundmaker identification facility application • Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF): several residents who specifically asked for the substation will increase noise levels at the document to AUC to AUC We recognize that people have concerns about transmission line to be buried, we have included substation, but will not exceed permissible sound EMF as it exists everywhere there is electricity. preliminary cost estimates for burying various levels (PSL). No increase in noise is expected We treat these concerns very seriously and segments of the proposed routes underground in as a result of the upgrades to the Meadowlark are guided by EMF research that is compiled our facility application. substation. As part of the AUC’s requirements, a and reviewed by national and international Noise Impact Assessment has been completed AUC provides public notice of needs health agencies. After more than 40 years of Construction Impacts for the project and submitted with the Facility identification document / facility application research that includes thousands of studies and If this project is approved, construction is planned Application to ensure that the proposed project will numerous reviews by health agencies, Health to begin in Summer 2019 and finish in Summer not exceed permissible sound levels. No noise is Canada and the World Health Organization have 2020. We anticipate work will generally happen

anticipated from the operation of the proposed l

a AUC reviews application

not concluded that typical exposures to EMF Monday to Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; v

72 kV transmission line. o r

from overhead power lines have any known however, occasional evening and weekend work p p health consequences. If you would like more may also be required. We will provide customers The Regulatory Process A information about EMF, please contact us. affected by construction with more detailed Approved Not Approved information regarding potential impacts, including The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) • Stray voltage: Although unlikely, transmission possible power outages, prior to any work starting. is responsible for determining the proposed AESO / EPCOR EPCOR begins lines have the potential to cause induction in transmission development, which involves adding reassesses construction metal objects that can result in shocks. These the transmission line and equipment at the project shocks are typically harmless and similar to the Poundmaker and Meadowlark substations. The shocks you may receive after walking across a AESO submitted a Needs Identification Document carpet. To eliminate these mild shocks, metal (NID) with the AUC in October, 2018 in support objects and fences can be grounded. As a part of this project. AESO: Alberta Electric System Operator of this project, we will contract an independent d n company to complete an induction study prior In October, EPCOR’s project team also filed a EPCOR: Transmission Facility Owner

Facility Application with the AUC outlining our eg e L proposed upgrades to the Poundmaker and AUC: Alberta Utilities Commission Meadowlark substations, and our preferred and alternate route for the new 72 kV transmission line.

Revised Project Timeline The AUC must approve the Needs Identification For more information on the regulatory process, Document and the Facility Application before including links to the AESO and AUC websites, please visit our website at epcor.com/consultation. September October September December October October Spring Summer Summer upgrades to the system can begin. The final 2016 2016 2017 2017 2018 2018 2019 2019 2020 decision on routing will be made by the AUC and We have also enclosed the AUC’s brochure although two routes were proposed, only one entitled, Public involvement in a proposed utility route will be built if approvals are granted. development for more information about how Project EPCOR held Project delay Project update AESO EPCOR AUC Permit and Construction Construction customers can participate in the AUC process. Notification two Open distributed distributed submitted submitted License issued begins complete distributed Houses the NID for the Facility approval to Application 13 the AUC 14 About EPCOR Participate in the Process EPCOR, through its subsidiaries, builds, owns As we move forward, we remain committed and operates electrical, natural gas and water to keeping you informed of updates about this transmission and distribution networks, water and project. We will continue to involve you in the wastewater treatment facilities, sanitary and storm process, address your concerns, and respond water systems, and infrastructure in Canada and to your questions. the United States. The company also provides electricity, natural gas and water products and Questions about the project? services to residential and commercial customers. If you have any questions or concerns about the EPCOR, headquartered in Edmonton, is an Alberta project, please contact us: Top 70 employer. EPCOR’s website address is www.epcor.com. 780-412-4040 About the Alberta [email protected] Electric System Operator (AESO) www.epcor.com/consultation The AESO is an independent, not-for-profit Questions about the need? organization responsible for the safe, reliable, and economic planning and operation of the provincial For more information about the need for this transmission grid. If you have any questions or project, please contact the AESO: concerns about the need for this project, you may contact the AESO directly or visit www.aeso.ca. 1-888-866-2959 [email protected] You can make your questions or concerns known www.aeso.ca to an EPCOR representative who will collect your personal information for the purpose of addressing Questions about the regulatory process? your questions and/or concerns to the AESO. This process may include disclosure of your personal For more information about the regulatory process, information to the AESO. read the brochure titled Public involvement in a proposed utility development or contact the AUC: About the Alberta 780-427-4903 (for toll-free access, dial Utilities Commission (AUC) 310-0000 before the 10 digit number) The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency www.auc.ab.ca of the province of Alberta. The AUC is responsible to ensure that the delivery of Alberta’s utility The AUC proceeding number for this project is 23943. service takes place in the public interest. The AUC must approve this project before upgrades to the system can begin. For more information about how you can participate in the process, please visit the AUC website, www.auc.ab.ca.

EPCOR respects your right to privacy. Any personal information we collect about you — including your name, address, phone number and email address — will be used only in regards to this project.

In accordance with AUC Rule 007, this information will be filed with the AUC and may be available to the public through their website during the regulatory proceeding for this project. Please visit www.auc.ab.ca/AUCPublicInvolvement for more information about the AUC’s public involvement process for proposed utility developments.

For information about EPCOR’s Privacy Policy, visit epcor.com/privacy.