A major wind-powered electric transmission line considered for the Stettler or Castor area has been dropped by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO).
For upgrading the Hanna region, AESO has selected an area south of Stettler and Castor and through Consort and Provost.
“We a recommending (to the Alberta Utilities Commission) the development of 240 kV lines and associated substations to complete a single lard 240 kV transmission loop to the east central part of the province, connecting the Sheerness hub to the Oyen hub in the east, going north to the Provost hub,” AESO planning manager Ramaiah Divi said in a letter to local municipal councils.
“Construction of these lines and associated substations will best serve the demand for electricity in this area.”
The line from the Sheerness area to the Oyen area will connect the generation in the Sheerness area to demand for electricity in the Hanna area.
Completing its tour of 10 communities March 10, AESO discussed the project in the Hanna region in east-central Alberta with citizens at Stettler Recreation Centre.
“At the open houses, we received many positive comments and reaction from people,” said Ramaiah Divi, manager of central system planning for AESO based in Calgary.
“We are very excited about this project that will strengthen the power grid in the Hanna region so that wind power developers and pipelines could be served from this grid,” said Divi.
Last November, he presented the plan to local county councils, covering an area that extends north to Wainwright and Daysland, west to Three Hills, south to Brooks and east to the Saskatchewan border.
“Demand for electricity in the southeast central Alberta area is increasing and the current load is expected to double in the next 10 years.”
For more information, phone Marina Lakhani at 1-800-866-2959 or email stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca or visit the website at www.aeso.ca.