Clover Bar interconnection

On July 19, 2023, EPCOR received approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to construct and operate the new 240 kV transmission line from the Clover Bar Substation to a new customer-owned substation on the Air Products’ site, and modify equipment in the existing Clover Bar Substation (Decision 27676-D01-2023).

The project i​ncludes: ​

• Constructing approximately four kilometers (km) of above-ground 240 kV transmission line from the Clover Bar Substation, located at 1515 – 130 Avenue to a customer-owned substation within the Air Products‘ site located in the Clover Bar Area;
• Adding two 240 kV circuit breakers, associated switches and equipment within the existing Clover Bar Substation fence line

View PDF versions of project updates:

• August 2023
• October 2022
• June 2022

Construction of the transmission line is schedule to begin in mid-August 2023 and is estimated to be completed by late fall 2024.

Construction activities will take place six days a week, Monday to Saturday, from 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but this schedule may change to accommodate work along major roadways.

Preferred​ route map

Aurum Road cross sections

​​Propose​​d structure type 

As shown below, the typical structures will be steel or composite monopoles, ranging in height from approximately 35 m to 40 m. The poles will be single circuit, meaning they will have three wires strung across them and one overhead shield wire on top (refer to Structure A below).

H-frames or structures with wider bases may be installed where the line turns corners, has to span larger distances or has to cross existing infrastructure (transmission lines, roads or highways. These structures may be steel or composite and range in height from approximately 23 m to 40 m (refer to Structures B, C and D). The diameter of all structures at the ground surface will range between approximately 1.4 m to 2.5 m.

Clover Bar Substation site

Update: In the decision approval, the AUC approved Route C for construction.

Based on the feedback received and research we have completed, EPCOR has identified a preferred and alternate route for the above ground transmission line that provides the lowest overall impact. Both routes will be presented to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for their consideration.

The AUC is an independent quasi-judicial agency responsible for approving power transmission facilities in Alberta. EPCOR will submit a Facility Application to the AUC to build and operate the new facilities. If approved, the AUC will also select which route will be constructed.

Route evaluation 

Determining the route of a new transmission line is a complex process. EPCOR considered a number of important factors when evaluating possible routes, including:

• Residential 
• Environmental 
• Electrical 
• Cost 
• Visual 
• Special Constraints 
• Existing Infrastructure 
  

The route options utilized the transportation utility corridor (TUC) and followed existing roadways and underground utilities. After receiving input during the consultation program and considering all the above referenced factors, we have selected Route C as the preferred route option and Route A as the alternate route. Route C was determined to best meet the technical requirements for the Project while also having the lowest overall impacts when compared to the other route options.

Since the February 2022 project notice, EPCOR has made a minor adjustment to the proposed Route C previously described to you. This adjustment moves the proposed route alignment approximately 250 metres (m) further east along Aurum Road and then heads south towards the Air Products facility. Please see the route options map below for the proposed revised route alignment. 

Route B has been removed from consideration due to stakeholder feedback, cost, and impacts to existing utilities.

What to ex​​​pect during the construction process

Depending on the work location, residents and businesses can expect to see activity that is typical to construction, including company/contractor vehicles and equipment. The construction area will be fenced and/or marked as a restricted area.

Traffic

Periodic lane closures may be required along Anthony Henday Drive and Aurum Road to complete this work. Signage will be used to detour traffic around the worksite. All road closures and detours will meet professional and federal transportation requirements.
 
EPCOR and our contractors will look to limit traffic interruptions and road closures, where possible. We’ll also ensure the appropriate safety measures are in place to keep motorists and our crews safe.

Power outages

EPCOR will notify you in advance if any power outages are required to support the construction activities.

 
Noise

The work will create typical noise associated with construction. We will take measures to ensure we comply with the City of Edmonton’s Community Standards Bylaw for Noise Control. If it’s necessary to temporarily exceed acceptable noise levels, we will work with the City of Edmonton to receive necessary permits.

Throughout our discussions with stakeholders, various concerns and questions were brought forward. The feedback gathered during the consultation process was documented and will be included in the Facility Application filed with the AUC. 

Common project concerns included: 

• Routing preferences and line location 
• Line height and access 
• Structure placement 
• Third-party agreements and AC mitigation studies

Other concerns included construction impacts, electromagnetic fields (EMF), club root, overhead versus underground lines, property value and infrastructure development.

Rout​​ing preferences and line location 

Some stakeholders preferred the proposed transmission line to run on the south side of Aurum Road. After exploring this possibility, it was determined that the segment of the line within the TUC can follow the south side of Aurum Road, however, the line will be sited on the north side of Aurum Road outside of the TUC to avoid pre-existing underground constraints. 

Line heigh​​t and access 

If approved, the line will be constructed to meet safety codes, AUC requirements, as well as, Provincial and Federal Transport requirements. The line is expected to have wire clearance of 8.5 m at the lowest height (sag) of the line. Equipment heights provided to EPCOR during consultation confirmed access should not be an issue for these stakeholders. 

Structure plac​ement 

Based on current technical requirements for the preferred route, no structures are currently proposed on private property other than the parcel directly adjacent to the Air Products proposed facility and the parcel the proposed facility is located on. We will contact landowners if structure placement is required on private property. If you have specific questions, regarding structure placement near your property, please contact EPCOR Consultation. 

Third-party agreem​ents and AC mitigation studies 

EPCOR will ensure all required third-party permits and agreements are in place prior to construction along the approved route. Once a route is approved by the AUC, an AC Mitigation Study will be conducted and provided to stakeholders directly impacted by tthe new transmission infrastructure, if required.

About the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO)

The AESO is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the safe, reliable and economic planning and operation of the provincial transmission grid. For more information about why this project is needed, please refer to AESO's Need Overview or visit www.aeso.ca. If you have any questions or concerns about the need for this project or the proposed transmission development to meet the need, you may contact the AESO directly. 

You can also make your questions or concerns known to an EPCOR representative who will collect your personal information for the purpose of addressing your questions and/or concerns to the AESO. This process may include disclosure of your personal information to the AESO.

Alberta Electric Syste​​m Operator (AESO)​

Phone: 1-888-866-2959
Email: stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca
Website: www.aeso.ca

About the Alberta ​Utilities Commission (AUC)

Alberta's electric system is regulated by the AUC. The AUC is an independent quasi-judicial agency that ensures the delivery of Alberta's utility service takes place in a manner that is fair, responsible and in the public's interest. The AUC must approve this project before EPCOR can begin work. For more information about how you can participate in the process, please visit the AUC website.

Contact the AUC

Toll-free: 1-833-511-4282
Phone: 780-310-4282
Website: www.auc.ab.ca