June 2011

You are receiving this newsletter because you are near the

proposed Spruce Grove Substation Project and we want

your input.

The City of Spruce Grove and surrounding area have grown significantly in recent years and the demand for electricity has increased. Improving the electric transmission system is required to ensure residents, businesses and industrial facilities continue to have a reliable supply of electricity for years to come.

We want to provide you with:

• project details

• map of the proposed project

• project schedule

• information about how you can provide your input

• next steps

DiD you know?The average four-person family in Alberta today has 20 ‘instant-on’ electronics such as laptops, DVD players, music device chargers and cell phone chargers. These are in addition to the other appliances necessary to run a home – fridges, stoves, microwaves, washers and dryers – all of which require a reliable supply of electricity.

Definition

SubstationA substation is the connection point between high-voltage transmission lines and the lower voltage power lines (called distribution lines) that connect directly to homes and businesses.

After a transmission line brings power to a substation, its voltage is reduced so it can be transported safely and efficiently to you.

ContACt uS1-877-380-0303 (toll free)

regional.consultation@altalink.ca

Visit us online at www.altalink.ca/regionalprojects

electric system improvements near youSpruce Grove Substation Project

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LEGEND Proposed Substation Site A

Proposed Substation Site BExisting Acheson 305S Substation

Existing Transmission LineMajor RoadFirst Nations ReserveUrban Area

SPRUCE GROVE

EDMONTON

60

44

16A B

Stony Plain No. 135

LEGEND Proposed Substation Site A

Proposed Substation Site BExisting Acheson 305S Substation

Existing Transmission LineMajor RoadFirst Nations ReserveUrban Area

SPRUCE GROVE

EDMONTON

60

44

16A B

Stony Plain No. 135

Project detailsThe proposed Spruce Grove Substation Project includes:

• building a new 138/25 kilovolt (kV) substation called Spruce Grove

• building up to approximately 300 metres (984 feet) of new 138 kV transmission lines

• building a telecommunications tower within the proposed Spruce Grove Substation

• replacing the existing telecommunications tower within the existing Acheson Substation

LEGEND

Definition

Transmission linesTransmission lines make up Alberta’s electric highway, linking the places where power is generated to your community where power is used. Transmission lines transport large amounts of power over long distances across the province. The transmission system connects diverse sources of power generation including wind, high-efficiency coal, natural gas and more.

Definition

kV (kilovolt)A kilovolt is equal to one thousand volts and is most commonly used when describing transmission and distribution lines. AltaLink’s transmission lines range from 69 kV (69,000 volts) to 500 kV (500,000 volts). Light bulbs typically range from 1.5 to 300 volts.

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new substationAltaLink is proposing to build a new substation, which will be called the Spruce Grove Substation, near the Acheson Industrial Area. Two options are proposed for the location of the substation. If approved, only one substation will be built. A map included in this information package shows the location of the proposed Spruce Grove Substation.

who iS AltAlink? AltaLink’s transmission system efficiently delivers electricity to 85 per cent 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.

The proposed Spruce Grove

Substation will look similar to the

one pictured here.

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new transmission lines As part of this project, AltaLink is proposing to build up to approximately 300 metres (984 feet) of new transmission lines that will connect the Spruce Grove Substation to an existing line in the area.

The transmission structures will be single circuit 138 kV structures and will be approximately 21 metres (70 feet) high.

The Spruce Grove Substation Project will provide electricity to the local community and support the future growth of the Acheson Industrial Area. It will also help connect FortisAlberta’s distribution line to Alberta’s electric system.

The proposed transmission lines will

look similar to the ones pictured here.

Definition

Electric systemAlberta’s electric system is comprised of power plants, thousands of kilometres of power lines (high-voltage transmission lines and lower voltage distribution lines) and hundreds of substations. The electric system works behind the scenes 24 hours a day to keep your lights on.

Definition

Distribution lineAfter transmission lines bring the electricity from power plants to substations and the voltage is reduced, distribution lines carry the lower voltage electricity to your homes, farms and businesses.

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Upper left: The new telecommunications

tower at the Spruce Grove Substation

will look similar to the one pictured here.

Lower left: This is the existing Acheson

Substation where we propose to replace

the existing telecommunications pole.

telecommunications towersAltaLink is proposing to build a telecommunications tower at the proposed Spruce Grove Substation in NW 9-53-26-W4M. AltaLink is also proposing to replace the existing telecommunications pole at the Acheson Substation with a new telecommunications tower. The Acheson Substation is located in SW 28-52-26-W4M.

Both of the new towers will be located within the substations’ fences and may include expansion or modifications to the existing control buildings to house necessary equipment.

The new towers will:

• be approximately 30 – 35 metres (95 – 115 feet) tall

• have a triangular base

• be self-supporting structures

The towers will be painted and may have lighting to comply with Transport Canada’s requirements.

Definition

Telecommunications towerA telecommunications tower transmits data to our system control centre, allowing us to monitor the operation of the electric system and ensure the safety and reliability of the system for our customers.

The radio installations described in this notification will be installed and operated on an ongoing basis so as to comply with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6, which defines safe levels of radio frequency (RF) exposure. To ensure the structural adequacy of the towers, the design and installation will follow industry standards and sound engineering practices.

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Definition

Facilities ApplicationAltaLink submits Facilities Applications to the AUC for review. A Facilities Application describes how AltaLink proposes to meet the requirement for a transmission project. It includes routing details, results of the participant involvement program and technical details. Facilities Applications must be approved by the AUC before construction can begin.

Definition

Alberta Utilities CommissionThe Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) ensures the fair and responsible delivery of Alberta’s utility services. AltaLink submits applications for new transmission projects to the AUC and the AUC reviews them in a public process.

Providing your inputStakeholder input is critical to identifying the lowest overall impact solution for the Spruce Grove Substation Project. You can provide your input in any of the following ways.

ATTEnDing our opEn housE

Please join us at our open house. We will be available to share information, gather your input and address any questions or concerns you might have.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011 4 – 8 p.m.

Elk’s Hall 400 Diamond Avenue, Spruce Grove

PArTiciPATing in A one-on-one conSULTATion

We will contact occupants, residents and landowners near the proposed project to gather input through one-on-one consultations. During the one-on-one process we will document the information you provide and address any questions or concerns you may have about the project.

conTAcTing US DirecTLy

You can contact us by telephone, email, mail or through our website. Our contact information is on the front and back pages of this newsletter.

next stepsAfter consulting with stakeholders, we will use the input gathered to help determine the most suitable location for this project. After the consultation process is complete we will file a Facilities Application with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). The AUC will review the application through a process in which stakeholders can participate.

We will notify stakeholders when we file the Facilities Application and again once the AUC has reached a decision about the project. 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.

Project schedule

Notify and consult with stakeholders Summer 2011

File application with Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Fall – Winter 2011

Start construction if project is approved Summer 2012

Complete construction Winter 2012

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other projects in the areaAltaLink is working on another project in the area to make sure the lights come on at the flick of the switch.

The proposed Heartland Transmission Project involves the construction of a high voltage transmission line, which will connect the Heartland region (northwest of Fort Saskatchewan) to existing transmission facilities either west of Edmonton or in southern Edmonton. AltaLink and EPCOR are working together in this project’s development.

The AUC held a hearing in April and May of this year and is expected to deliver its decision in the next few months. For more information about the Heartland project you can contact:

AltaLink/EPCOR: 1-888-441-7192 or publicconsultation@heartlandtransmission.ca

Website: www.heartlandtransmission.ca

DiD you know?Transmission lines connect wind power to the electric system so Alberta’s homes, businesses, schools, hospitals and community centres are powered with greener, cleaner energy. Since the energization of AltaLink’s 90-kilometre transmission line between Lethbridge and Pincher creek in 2010, Albertans now have access to twice the amount of wind power.

More information

To learn more about the proposed project, please contact:

ALTALink

1-877-380-0303 (toll free) Email: regional.consultation@altalink.ca

To learn more about Alberta’s electric system and the need for the project, please contact:

ALberTA eLecTric SySTem oPerATor (AeSo)

1-888-866-2959 Email: stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca

To learn more about the application and review process, please contact:

ALberTA UTiLiTieS commiSSion (AUc)

780-427-4903 (You can call toll-free by dialing 310-0000 before the number) Email: utilitiesconcerns@auc.ab.ca

For general information relating to telecommunications systems, please contact:

inDUSTry cAnADA

Website: http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/antenna Toll-free: 1-800-328-6189 (in Canada)

2611 - 3rd Avenue SE Calgary, Alberta T2A 7W7

Printed on paper using post-consumer content

inCluDeD in thiS StAkeholDer inforMAtion PACkAGe• Project maps

• AltaLink brochure: A Dialogue on Electric & Magnetic Fields

• AltaLink brochure: Good Neighbours

• AUc brochure: Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities Applications

• AEso need overview

• industry canada brochure: Antenna Towers in Your Community