As electricity created by wind generation increases, there has to be a way for that electricity to be connected to the provincial system and transmitted to users.

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) provides that role and explained what it is currently doing to the council of the Municipal District of Willow Creek at its meeting on Jan. 9.

Ata Rehman and Matt Gray of the AESO appeared as a delegation and described the current situation.
The AESO plans the transmission system, arranges access for load and generation, and directs the day-to-day operation of the system.

Transmission planning is a two-step process. First, the AESO identifies the need for transmission development and submits a need identification document to the Alberta Utilities Commission which will include a recommendation for transmission reinforcement in the area.

Then the transmission facility owner creates a detailed route and specific site; detailed engineering; a separate consultation process; and submits a facilities application with the AUC which will include a specific route proposal.
Presently southwest Alberta transmission development will address increased electricity generation and some wind generation development, and is in the facility application stage.

In southeast Alberta, development will address increased electricity generation and some wind generation development, and a need application was submitted in September.

The need to reinforce the system, and potentially add more power lines to transmit power from producers to users, is being driven by increased wind farm electricity production.

There are more than 50 potential wind farms totalling more than 8,000 megawatts, although not all will likely develop. However, wind generation scenarios forecast between 1,600 and 3,400 megawatts of additional wind capacity in the next 10 years.

The existing infrastructure does not have the capability to handle the additional power being generated, not all 8,000 megawatts.

In addition to the transmission system reinforcement, each individual wind power development will need to be connected to the system.

There are several planning considerations as well. Alternatives are being assessed based on a balance of social/ landowner, environmental and land-use impacts; technical performance including reliability and future flexibility; and cost.

Part of this is also public consultation with southern Alberta residents, governmental representatives, area First nations and industry stakeholders. Consultation with residents has included an open house in November of 2007 and another one in April of 2008; information provided on the AESO website; newspaper and radio advertisements; a transmission projects phone line at 1-888-866-2959; and follow-up.

The next steps for system development are ongoing stakeholder discussions by both AESO and transmission facility owners; an open house in April; and the filing of a need application in May of 2008. The year 2012 is the end-service date or time this work is to be
completed.