| Alternating Current: |
Alternating current is a current that flows alternately in one direction and then in the reverse direction. In North America, the standard for alternating current changes direction 60 times each second - known as a frequency of 60 hertz. |
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| Alberta Electric System Operator: |
The Alberta Electric System Operator is the independent, not-for-profit entity responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System. |
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| Alberta Utilities Commission: |
The Alberta Utilities Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial agency with a mission to ensure that the delivery of Alberta’s utility services take place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public interest. |
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| Circuit: |
A circuit is a group of wires that electricity flows through. AltaLink lines can be single or multi-circuit. A single circuit line has three wires, a double circuit line has six and so on. |
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| Circuit breaker: |
A circuit breaker is an electrical switch designed to protect circuits or substation equipment during a fault. |
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| Current: |
Current refers to the flow of electricity in a circuit. Current is measured in amperes. |
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| Direct Current: |
Direct current is current that flows continuously in the same direction (as opposed to alternating current). The current supplied from a battery is direct current. |
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| Deregulation: |
Deregulation is the process by which governments remove selected regulations on business in order to encourage the efficient operation of markets. The theory is that less regulation will lead to a raised level of competitiveness, and therefore higher productivity, more efficiency and lower prices overall. Transmission is a regulated industry while generation is a deregulated industry in Alberta. |
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| Distribution lines: |
After transmission lines bring the power from generating facilities to substations and the voltage is reduced, distribution lines carry the lower voltage electricity to your homes, farms and businesses. |
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| Facility Application: |
A Facility Application is submitted by a Transmission Facility Owner, such as AltaLink, to the AUC. The purpose of the Facility Application is to describe the proposed project to the AUC for its review. |
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| Generation: |
Generating facilities convert various forms of energy into electric power. Most of the electricity generated in Alberta comes from coal or natural gas plants, which create electricity by burning the coal or natural gas and generating steam to turn a turbine. Wind energy is an emerging form of generation and is common in the southern Alberta. |
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| Grid: |
A transmission grid is a network of high-voltage, long-distance transmission lines and substations that connect generating facilities to distribution systems. |
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| Independent System Operator: |
An Independent System Operator is the entity responsible for the planning and operation of an electrical system. In Alberta the Alberta Electric System Operator is the system operator. |
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| Interconnected system: |
A system consisting of two or more individual power systems connected together by tie lines or interties. |
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| Intertie: |
A transmission line used to link two power systems. |
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| Kilovolt (kV): |
A kilovolt is equal to one thousand volts. This unit of measurement is most commonly used when describing transmission and distribution lines. |
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| Load: |
Load is the total amount of power required to meet customer demand at any moment. The load equation fluctuates depending on electricity use throughout any given day. |
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| Load forecast: |
Load forecast refers to the ratio of the average load during a designated period to the peak or maximum load in that same period. |
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| Megawatt (MW): |
A megawatt is a unit of bulk power and is equal to 1,000 kilowatts. |
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| Need Identification Document: |
A Need Identification Document is a report compiled by the Alberta Electric System Operator. This report examines power production and consumption and identifies areas in the province where there is a need for new or improved utility infrastructure. |
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| Reactive power: |
Reactive power is used to control voltage on the transmission system to improve the efficiency of our system. |
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| Regulator: |
In the utility industry a regulator is the entity responsible for controlling the process by which a transmission system operates and which regulations must be adhered to. The regulating body in Alberta is the Alberta Utilities Commission. |
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| Right-of-way: |
A right-of-way is the strip of land required for the construction and operation of a transmission line. A right-of-way refers to the physical space a transmission line encompasses including areas on either side of the line. |
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| Shield wire: |
A shield wire is strung on the top of transmission structures to protect the transmission line from lightning strikes. |
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| Structures: |
Structures support transmission lines. Towers come in different sizes and designs depending on the voltage of the line and number of circuits (wires) each tower needs to carry. |
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| Substation: |
A substation is the connection point between transmission and distribution systems. Substations house the equipment used to control and protect the flow of power in the electrical system. When power passes through a substation, its voltage is reduced so it can be transported to communities through the distribution system. |
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| Switching station: |
A switching station connects two or more transmission lines. |
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| Telecommunications tower: |
A telecommunications tower supports equipment that transmits data and alarms to our system control centre. It is also used for remote control operation of the electrical system, and to monitor the safety and reliability of the electrical system. |
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| Transmission Facility Owner: |
A Transmission Facility Owner, such as AltaLink, is a regulated company that owns and operates transmission infrastructure. |
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| Transformer: |
A transformer is the device in a substation that steps voltage up or down so electricity can be safely distributed to your communities. |
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| Transmission lines: |
Transmission lines connect the power produced at generating facilities to substations. Over long distances it is most effective to transport electricity at high voltages. |
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| Vegetation Management: |
The use of mechanical, chemical (herbicide) and other techniques to ensure the safe and reliable operation of transmission lines. These practices are used to encourage the growth of low-growing vegetation which will reduce the risk of a power outage caused by branches or limbs contacting transmission lines. Where chemical controls are used all applications are done in accordance with the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. |
