What’s the policy called? 

Alberta Transmission Capacity Upgrades

When was this policy completed?

This policy was marked as a win in 2013

What are the key points of this policy? 

• Our electricity transmission system needs to be able to serve our needs today and into the future.
• Keeping the transmission system at the capacity it previously had wouldn’t be able to sustain any growth or allow Alberta to take advantage of renewable energy.
• Without a stable electrical transmission system, new businesses wouldn’t have felt secure in opening up in Alberta.
• Ultimately, this could have meant less jobs for our residents and less money for our economy.

What did we suggest? 

We suggested:

• Adding upgrades to the transmission system so that it will work for the current and future needs and opportunities (like the export of energy) – both urban and rural.
• Continue to encourage a competitive and fair electricity market.
• Make sure that new projects are approved without unnecessary delays.

Who are we suggesting it to?

The provincial government

What are the details?

Alberta’s population has been growing for years, and the electrical system needs to grow faster than the anticipated need. Previously, the electrical system was celebrated and promoted, even recognized across the country. The Government of Alberta at the time said that the success of our system was a result of “our open competitive marketplace”. Unfortunately, we didn’t continue to hold that crown.

At the point this policy was written, only one major transmission line had been built in the previous 20 years, and more than 20% of the supply was expected to retire in the coming 20 years. Keeping the transmission system at the rate it was currently running wouldn’t have allowed Alberta to take advantage of any renewable energy. This means that there was actually a backlog of applications for wind power waiting to come online in Southern Alberta.

Want to read the whole policy? 

You can find it here: https://chamber.medicinehatchamber.com/policywins/Details/alberta-transmission-capacity-upgrades-122553