Electricity – Facilities
In this decision, the AUC approved an application from EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. (“EDTI”) to alter and operate the Summerside 657S Substation (“the Substation”).
As the owner of the Substation, EDTI applied to amend the Substation to serve forecast increase in residential and industrial load in the south Edmonton area following a system access service request from a market participant. The need for transmission development had been approved by the Alberta Electric System Operator (“AESO”). EDTI applied to meet the increased need by adding one new 240/25-kilovolt (“kV”), 45/60/75-megavolt ampere (“MVA”) transformer, one new 240-kV circuit breaker, six new 25-kV circuit breakers and associated substation equipment.
EDTI applied to install upgrades beyond the four 25-kV breakers needed to meet the market participant’s request for reasons of economies of scale, equipment availability, consistency with standard practice, and to accommodate future connections for growth that had already been contemplated. The market participant would bear the cost of the entire project.
No issues were raised in meeting all requirements of Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations and Hydro Developments and Rule 012: Noise Control. The AUC determined that approval of the project was in the public interest. The application was approved pursuant to sections 14, 15, and 19 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act. As the facility is located in the Edmonton transportation and utility corridor, the AUC noted it could not issue a permit and licence for construction and operation without written consent of the Minister of Infrastructure. The licence and permit would therefore be issued once the consent is given, as required by the Edmonton Restricted Development Area Regulations.
