Alberta power line projects not needed, claims Enmax
CBC News
Posted: Jan 12, 2012 6:45 PM MT
Last Updated: Jan 12, 2012 6:39 PM MT
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Enmax says two proposed power lines between Edmonton and Calgary aren't necessary.
Officials with the utility spoke Thursday afternoon to the independent panel examining the need for the power lines.
A vice-president with the City of Calgary-owned company says much has changed in Alberta's electrical industry since the new transmission lines were first proposed several years ago.
Dale McMaster says with the shutdown of some coal-fired power plants and new natural gas-fired plants in the works, the new power lines are no longer needed.
“These two 500 KV lines appear to us to be excessive capacity, well beyond the needs for Alberta in not only the near term but probably in the longer term as well,” he said. “As we see it today, congestion on the existing system is minimal.”
McMaster says the $4 billion cost for building the new power lines will be passed on to consumers.
The panel's hearing in Calgary is now over and the next sessions will be held in Edmonton next week. It has to complete its report for the energy minister by Feb. 10.
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