Facilities – Natural Gas
In this decision, the Alberta Utilities Commission (“AUC”) approved the application from Conifer Energy Inc. (“Conifer”) to construct, operate and connect a 16-megawatt (“MW”) natural gas power plant, designated as the Judy Creek 16-MW Power Plant (the “Power Plant”).
Application
Conifer filed an application with the AUC requesting approval to construct and operate the Power Plant and connect it to ATCO Electric’s electric distribution system (the “Project”). The Project will be located near Swan Hills in Big Lakes County.
The Power Plant includes three low emission, low noise natural gas-driven generating units for a combined total maximum capability of 16 MW.
AUC Findings
The application included a participant involvement program, noise impact assessment, air quality assessment report and correspondences with ATCO Electric Ltd., confirming that the Power Plant can be interconnected.
The AUC determined that the application complied with the requirements Rule 012: Noise Control and Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations and Hydro Developments. At the time of this proceeding, an Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act application was still being considered by Alberta Environment and Parks. The AUC considered that it was unlikely that this would raise any issues.
The application was found to be in the public interest, as required by Section 17 of the Alberta Utilities Commission Act. Accordingly, and pursuant to Section 11 and Section 18 of the Hydro Electric and Energy Act, the AUC approved the applications to construct, operate and interconnect the Power Plant.
