Say NO to overhead double circuit 500 kV transmission lines along any proposed route

The current session of the legislature adjourned Novmeber 26th.  Information can be found at www.assembly.ca

November 19th House Discussions on Underground Electricity Transmission Lines between MLA David Xiao and Minister Mel Knight

Mr. Xiao: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A great number of my constituents have sent me e-mails and letters regarding the proposed transmission line. My first question is for the hon. Minister of Energy. Can the minister elaborate on the possibility of burying certain segments of the proposed transmission line in the densely populated areas?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Mr. Knight: Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. I won’t make comments relative to specific pieces that may be the subject of debate in this House, but generally I would suggest that what has been done – there are two studies initiated in Alberta currently: one that looks at the Edmonton region and one that looks, I think, a bit broader, across the province of Alberta. We haven’t got the results of those studies yet, but what I would say is that underground cable is in the city of Edmonton now. It’s not as if it can’t be done. Depending on the size, depending on the capacity and that sort of thing, it’s done, and we have it here now.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Xiao: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My first supplementary is to the same minister. Can the minister advise what consultation is occurring with respect to the location of the transmission lines?

Mr. Knight: Well, Mr. Speaker, of course, I’ve alluded to this a number of times in the House and in public many times. The consultation process that’s in place that goes ahead of any decisions that are made relative to these issues, I think, is relatively well understood. The AESO and the transmission facility operators go out in front of any of these things and propose a number of options and have consultation around the options. That continues to take place today on an ongoing basis with respect to the issues in and around the city of Edmonton.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Mr. Xiao: Thank you. Many of my constituents, while recognizing the importance of new transmission lines, would like to bring forward additional concerns and input. My final supplementary to the same minister: can he advise what avenues are available to my constituents to provide their input?

Mr. Knight: Well, yes, Mr. Speaker, I certainly can. The situation as it unfolds, of course, with any transmission development in the province of Alberta is consistent with what’s going to happen in this area, and that is that at the correct point in time, when we get to a permit and licensing stage with respect to any of these pieces of infrastructure, the Alberta Utilities Commission holds an open public

hearing at which any Albertans at their choice can go and intervene and have their concerns and requests and requirements heard by the Alberta Utilities Commission in a quasi-judicial setting.

November 19th House Discussion Transcripts

November 17th House Discussions on Underground Electricity Transmission Lines between MLA Raj Sherman and Minister Mel Knight on Underground Electricity Transmission Lines

Dr. Sherman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have received hundreds of letters and e-mails in my office from many concerned constituents and community groups who attended several public meetings about a very important issue. My constituents have asked me to raise in this Assembly their issues with the proposed Heartland transmission project power lines along the west end TUC. My constituents aren’t questioning the need for transmission infrastructure. Rather, they’re asking for consideration of their request for the power lines to be built in a safe and responsible manner. My question is to the

Minister of Energy. What is the minister doing to address the concerns of my constituents regarding the siting of high-voltage power lines in highly populated areas?

The Speaker: The hon. minister.

Mr. Knight: Well, thank you. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I want to make it very clear that the government is not involved in the siting of transmission in the province of Alberta. That rests solely with the Alberta Utilities Commission, a quasi-judicial body that holds open, public hearings with respect to the siting of transmission lines. That will continue whether it’s in the Heartland area, in the Edmonton region, or anywhere in the province of Alberta.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Dr. Sherman: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. My supplemental question is to the same minister. Many of my constituents feel strongly that  burying this line would significantly reduce the health, property value, and aesthetic impacts of the overhead 500-kilovolt lines.  What is the status of the study commissioned by the minister on the feasibility of burying transmission lines, and when can we expect the outcomes of that study to be made public?

Mr. Knight: Well, again, Mr. Speaker, actually there are two studies that are under way. My department has commissioned a study by Stantec. They’re an international engineering firm based here in Alberta, and they will look at the options of underground transmission as they relate generally to the province of Alberta. They have expertise and have been looking at the options here and in other places in North America and around the world, I believe. I’m expecting that I would have a report from them before the end of this year.  In addition, Mr. Speaker, AESO, the Alberta Electric System

Operator, is also doing a study relative to underground transmission as it would relate to the heartland region.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Dr. Sherman: Again, thank you, Mr. Speaker. My final supplemental question is to the same minister. Will the minister support the burial of transmission lines through highly populated areas, some of which include schools, homes, daycare centres, and hospitals?

Mr. Knight: First off, Mr. Speaker, again, I think I should make it clear here that Health Canada has found that there is no significant link between overhead transmission lines and human health. I know that the hon. member is a doctor and would be aware of the information,  I’m sure. Also, I would like to point out that burying lines does not necessarily eliminate all of the things like electromagnetic fields.  Even though the levels are safe, the issue will remain. Any time that you transmit electricity through wires, you will have this issue.

November 17th House Discussion Transcripts