Along with other hot topics in our community, the newest one that is all a buzz is the Chestermere Substation Interconnection project. FortisAlberta has requested upgrades to the transmission system through the building of a new substation near Chestermere which is meant to help meet the increase capacity and ensure the reliability of the electrical system for years to come.
We have all experience the frustration of having the power knocked out. Sometimes explained by way of vehicle accident that perhaps took out a pole or a severe storm – but even in those instances, is there more that could be done to bring the power back quicker? Does a new substation bring more reliable services?
According to AltaLink, “Yes. FortisAlberta, the electricity distribution owner for the City of Chestermere, has requested upgrades to the transmission system to help meet increased capacity and ensure the reliability of the electric system. The new substation will improve the reliability of electricity for the City”.
First it’s important to know the role of a substation. Substations are defined as the connection points between power lines of varying voltages and contain equipment that controls and protects the flow of power. Substations include transformers that step down and step up the voltage so power can be transmitted through transmission lines or distributed to your community through distribution lines.
Public consultation on this project started back in September by way of a mailer that went out and also two open houses. One happening back in October and the most recent one was on Monday February 29th at the Chestermere Recreation Centre. AltaLink representatives were on hand with displays showing details of the project including the proposed location for the new substation.
Over the past few weeks, residents learning of the new substation project have been expressing concerns about the location. There are currently five locations being considered, one of which is SW-2-24-28-W4 in the Kinniburgh Community and one near Chestermere High School – which have residents very unhappy about the project.
Chestermere resident, Anna Antoshko, has launched a petition to remove the Kinniburgh location from the project stating, “Altalink is going to build powerful electrical substation in Kinniburgh community- very close to the residential area (300 meters) – less than 1km to East Lake School and Camp Chestermere”. Antoshko continues, “Residents of Kinniburgh are asking to eliminate Option E and have signed a petition against location in Kinniburgh. We ask that substation instead be built in any of the Options A, B, C or F. The near proximity of Options E to the houses in the Kinniburgh Community and the East Lake School poses fire hazard risk, as electrical substations have been known to catch on fire in the past. The close placement of the substations to the Kinniburgh Community can potentially affect the health of us the residents. The placement of the substation in the locations of Options E will also decrease the value of the property in our community, therefore directly harming us the residents and the City of Chestermere. We have a choice and Altalink wants to hear from us”.
Regarding the proposed location near Chestermere High School, Scott Schreiner, Vice President of Communications with AltaLink explained, “The safety of the public and of our employees is a core value for AltaLink. We understand that residents may have concerns regarding Electric and Magnetic Fields (EMF). The Chestermere High School is located approximately 500 metres away from one of the potential substation locations. At a distance of 100 metres from the power line or substation fence boundary, the levels of EMF produced are typically indistinguishable from background levels. AltaLink also relies on the expertise of organizations like Health Canada, which has conducted and reviewed research on this topic for over 40 years. Health Canada has stated “There is no conclusive evidence of any harm caused by exposures at levels found in Canadian homes and schools, including those located just outside the boundaries of power line corridors.”
At the February 29th open house, residents came out to listen and to ask questions regarding all aspects of the project and to have their voice heard. Schreiner explained the next steps saying, “We will continue to engage with community members as we refine our proposed substation locations. We will be updating community members regarding the sites that we intend to recommend to the Alberta Utilities Commission. We plan to submit an application to the AUC for review in the summer of 2016. We encourage participation and invite community members to contact us at any time if they have comments, questions or concerns about the project”.
Once AltaLink has completed their consultation program, they plan to submit an application with the Alberta Utilities Commission in the summer of 2016. If the project is approved, construction may begin in the winter of 2017 and be completed by the summer of 2017.
