Project Overview
What is the proposed Heartland Transmission Project?
The proposed Heartland Transmission Project (the project) involves the construction of a double circuit 500kV transmission line, which will connect the Heartland region (northeast of Fort Saskatchewan) to existing 500kV transmission facilities. AltaLink and EPCOR, the Heartland Project Team, are working together in the project's development.
Why is this project being undertaken?
The Electric Statutes Amendment Act, 2009 (formerly Bill 50) provides that the Heartland Project is Critical Transmission Infrastructure.
Who are the companies involved in the project?
Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)
The AESO is the independent, not-for-profit entity responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. For more information please visit www.aeso.ca
Transmission Facility Owners - TFO - Altalink and EPCOR
The two TFOs involved in the Heartland Transmission Project are AltaLink and EPCOR. These two companies are working together on this project, as the proposed transmission line may cross the service areas of AltaLink and EPCOR. TFOs require approvals to build and operate transmission lines.
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)
The AUC is an independent, quasi-judicial agency of the Government of Alberta responsible for ensuring that the delivery of Alberta's utility services takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public interest. The AUC ensures that electric facilities are built, operated, and decommissioned in an efficient and environmentally responsible way. AltaLink and EPCOR, the Heartland Project Team, must file an application with the AUC to obtain approval to construct and operate the Heartland Transmission Project.
Facility Application
The AESO may direct a Transmission Facility Owner (TFO) to submit a Facility Application to the AUC. The Facility Application includes a description of the proposed project including proposed technology and routing, a description of the participant involvement program, an environmental evaluation and estimated costs for the project. For a complete listing of the information requirements of the Facility Application visit www.auc.ab.ca and go to section 7 of AUC Rule 007.