The Western Alberta Transmission Line, which will run southwest of Edmonton for 350km down along Highway 2, will be built by Canadian transmission firm AltaLink.
AUC approved the proposed 500kV direct-current transmission line with associated converter stations and equipment.
Over 60% of the approved route parallels existing power lines, which minimizes the project’s visual and environmental impacts.
"The Commission finds the agricultural and visual impacts favour the Crossfield Tie option and the environmental and cost considerations slightly favour the Crossfield Tie option," the AUC noted.
"The Commission …finds that the Crossfield Tie option is preferable to the preferred route."
AltaLink CEO Scott Thon commented, "This project is absolutely 100 per cent for Albertans and it is about reliability in our system and making our generation sector more competitive."
The AUC, a quasi-judicial agency of the province of Alberta, regulates the utilities sector, natural gas and electricity markets.
