Regulatory: Process

Before beginning construction of the 240 kV development, a two-part regulatory process was completed.

• The Alberta Electric System Operator’s (AESO) Needs Identification Document (NID) was
      approved by the Energy and Utilities Board (EUB), now the Alberta Utilities Commission
      (AUC)
• AltaLink’s Facility Application was approved by the AUC

Need Application

On April 5, 2004, the AESO submitted its NID to the EUB for the construction of the Southwest 240 kV development. The AESO is an independent, not-for-profit entity responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the Alberta Interconnected Electric System.

The need identification process included a public hearing, where the AESO could defend its application and intervenors could present evidence to the EUB for alternate plans.

Decisions

On May 17, 2005, the EUB approved the NID, concluding that the AESO’s development concept is the appropriate means by which to address the need identified.  Follow the link below for the full text of the decision.

Alberta Energy and Utilities Board - Need Approval Decision
http://www.eub.gov.ab.ca/bbs/documents/decisions/2005/2005-049.pdf

The link below addresses some general questions about the AUC’s public hearings and intervenor costs.

AUC Application and Proceeding Processes
http://www.auc.ab.ca/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=271&PageID=0&cached=true&mode=2