Power lines needed between Calgary and Edmonton, says government committee

The Wildrose is now the third sitting opposition party to oppose the Alberta Tory’s electrical deregulation policy.

Alberta needs two new high-voltage transmission lines between Edmonton and Calgary, says a government-appointed committee tasked with reviewing the proposed projects.

The four-member Critical Transmission Review Committee, in a ruling issued this afternoon, said the need to reinforce the province’s power grid are “reasonable” and that work should begin as soon as possible.

“In our considered view, the planning for these transmission lines has been reasonable and they are required to meet the needs of Albertans,” said committee chairman Brian Heidecker.

The panel, which heard submissions from industry players and stakeholders in December and January, agreed with the provincial transmission operator that high voltage direct current technology would be appropriate for both east and west-running lines.

The committee also recommended legislation be changed so that the Alberta Utilities Commission is empowered to determine future power needs.

“We do recognize concerns expressed about Bill 50 and recommend amending the legislation to remove the ability of cabinet to designate any future projects as critical.”

Energy Minister Ted Morton said the government would review the committee’s findings.

Developing the two lines would cost residential consumers about $3 month, the committee said.

The committee, appointed last December, said it heard from more than 30 organizations, including industry and landowners, during its review.