Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant Connection Needs Identification Document

Transcription

1 APPENDIX C AESO PIP

2 Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant Connection Needs Identification Document 1.0 Participant Involvement Program (PIP) From December 2015 to May 2016, the AESO conducted a Participant Involvement Program (PIP) to assist in preparing its Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant Connection Needs Identification Document (NID). The AESO directed transmission facility owner (TFO), ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO), to assist the AESO in providing notification in accordance with Alberta Utilities Commission Rule Stakeholder Notification The AESO s PIP was designed to notify and provide information to all occupants, residents and landowners within the notification area of the proposed development, as well as to other interested parties, including government bodies, agencies and other stakeholder groups (Stakeholders). The AESO used a variety of methods to notify Stakeholders on the need for the Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant Connection. The AESO developed a one-page Need Overview document that described the need for the proposed transmission development. A copy of this document was posted to the AESO website at on December 7, 2015 and a notice was published in the AESO Stakeholder Newsletter on December 10, Copies of the Need Overview posting and the AESO Stakeholder Newsletter notice have been included as Attachments 1 and 2, respectively. To ensure that Stakeholders had the opportunity to provide feedback, the AESO also provided Stakeholders with a dedicated, toll-free telephone line ( ) and a dedicated address (stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca). AESO contact information, along with the AESO s mailing address (2500, th Ave. SW, Calgary) and website address ( and a privacy statement that described how the AESO is committed to protecting Stakeholders privacy, were included on the Need Overview related to this application. ATCO assisted the AESO by including the AESO Need Overview in all project-specific information packages that went out to Stakeholders. ATCO notified separately on the developments in the Vermilion area and the developments in the Vegreville area. The same AESO Need Overview was provided in both notifications. Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

3 As directed by the AESO, the TFO was prepared to direct any inquiries or concerns about the project need to the AESO. The TFO has indicated that Stakeholders have not identified any concerns or objections with the need for the proposed transmission development. ATCO Vermilion Notification The ATCO Vermilion notification began on December 1, 2015 and involved notifying on the proposed development in the Town of Vermilion area. The proposed Vermilion development includes building the Steele 2016S substation with a 144 kv circuit breaker, building approximately 20 kilometres of 144 kv transmission line to connect the Steele 2016S substation to the 144 kv transmission line 7L65, and connecting the Steele 2016S substation to the E.ON Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant. ATCO s brochure included information related to the 7LA65 preliminary route concept and planned Steele 2016S substation site. The AESO Need Overview and information about an open house was included in the Vermilion project information package. ATCO mailed the Vermilion project information package to all occupants, residents and landowners within the notification area of the proposed Vermilion development on December 1, It was also made available at the ATCO Grizzly Bear Transmission Project open house held January 21, 2016 at the Vermilion Regional Centre. In addition, the Vermilion project information package was also sent out on December 1 and 2, 2015 to the following Stakeholders in the Town of Vermilion area: Alberta Culture and Tourism Alberta Environment and Parks Land Management Alberta Environment and Parks Fish and Wildlife Alberta Transportation Braes REA Claysmore REA Ducks Unlimited Canada Industry Canada Nav Canada Telus Communications Inc. The County of Minburn No. 27 Transport Canada Civil Aviation and Aerodrome Safety Frog Lake First Nation Kehewin Cree Nation Onion Lake Cree Nation Saddle Lake Cree Nation Attachment 3 includes a copy of the ATCO Vermilion project information brochure. Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

4 ATCO also notified the Stakeholders in the Town of Vermilion area on updates to the proposed Vermilion developments, including 7LA65 selected route options and the planned Steele 2019S substation site. The notification began on April 1, 2016 when ATCO mailed out a Vermilion project update information update package to all occupants, residents and landowners within the notification area of the proposed Vermilion developments. Project notifications were also sent out between April 1 and April 4, 2016 to the Stakeholders listed above. The Vermilion project update information package included a copy of the AESO Need Overview. Attachment 4 includes a copy of the ATCO Vermilion project update information brochure. ATCO Vegreville Notification ATCO s Vegreville area notification began on January 19, 2016 and involved notifying on the proposed development in the Vegreville area. The proposed Vegreville development includes modifying the approved Vincent 2019S substation, including adding another 144 kv transmission line and two 144 kv circuit breakers to convert the approved T-tap connection to an in-and-out connection. ATCO s brochure included information on ATCO s proposed double circuit line 7L65/7L134 and the approved Vincent 2019S substation site information. ATCO mailed the information package to all occupants, residents and landowners within the notification area of the proposed Vegreville developments on January 19, The Vegreville information package was also sent out between January 19 and January 26, 2016 to the following Stakeholders in the Vegreville area: Alberta Culture and Tourism Alberta Environment and Parks Land Management Alberta Environment and Parks Fish and Wildlife The County of Minburn No. 27 Telus Communications Inc. Transport Canada Civil Aviation and Aerodrome Safety Nav Canada Frog Lake First Nation Kehewin Cree Nation Onion Lake Cree Nation Saddle Lake Cree Nation Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

5 Attachment 5 includes a copy of the ATCO project information brochure for the Vegreville area. 1.2 Public Notification Most recently, the AESO published a Public Notification of NID Filing to the AESO website at on May 9, 2016 and a notice in the AESO Stakeholder Newsletter on May 10, Copies of the Public Notification of NID Filing posting and the AESO Stakeholder Newsletter notice have been included as Attachments 6 and 7, respectively. 1.3 Concerns and Objections Raised The AESO has not received any indication of concerns or objections from any party about the need for the proposed transmission development. 1.4 List of Attachments Attachment 1 AESO Need Overview Attachment 2 AESO Stakeholder Newsletter Need Overview Notice Attachment 3 ATCO s Vermilion Project Information Brochure Grizzly Bear Transmission Project (December 2015) Attachment 4 ATCO s Vermilion Project Update Information Brochure Grizzly Bear Transmission Project Project Update (April 2016) Attachment 5 ATCO s Vegreville Project Information Brochure Modifications to the Proposed Vincent Substation - Grizzly Bear Transmission Project (January 2016) Attachment 6 AESO Public Notification of NID Filing (AESO Website Posting) Attachment 7 AESO Stakeholder Newsletter NID Filing Notice Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

6 Attachment 1 AESO Need Overview Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

7 NEED OVERVIEW: TRANSMISSION DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION FOR STAKEHOLDERS DECEMBER 2015 Developments needed in the Vermilion and Vegreville Areas to Connect the Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant E.ON Climate & Renewables Canada Ltd. (E.ON) has applied to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) for transmission system access to connect its proposed Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant (Facility) in the Vermilion area. E.ON s request can be met by: PROPOSED SOLUTION Vermilion Area Build the Steele 2016S substation with a 144 kv circuit breaker, and associated equipment. Build approximately 20 kilometres of 144 kv transmission line to connect the Facility to the Steele 2016S substation. Modify the existing 7L65 transmission line. Vegreville Area Modify the Vincent 2019S substation including adding a 144 kv transmission line, two 144 kv circuit breakers, and associated equipment. Modify the existing 7L65 transmission line. NEXT STEPS The AESO intends to apply to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for approval of the need in mid The AESO s needs identification document (NID) application will be available on the AESO s website at at the time of its application to the AUC. The following organizations have key roles and responsibilities in providing access to the transmission system: THE AESO: Must plan the transmission system and enable access to it for generators and other qualified customers Is regulated by the AUC and must apply to the AUC for approval of its NID ATCO ELECTRIC LTD.: Is the transmission facility owner in the Vermilion and Vegreville areas Is responsible for detailed siting and routing, constructing, operating and maintaining the associated transmission facilities Is regulated by the AUC and must apply to the AUC for approval of its transmission facilities applications FAST FACT Alberta s electric transmission system comprises the towers, wires and related equipment that are a part of moving electricity from where it is generated to where it is used. CONTACT US We appreciate your views, both on the need for transmission system development and proposed transmission plans. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us directly. Alberta Electric System Operator Susan Haider AESO Stakeholder Relations stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca , 330-5th Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 0L4 Phone: Fax: WHO IS THE AESO? The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is a not-for-profit organization with no financial interest or investment of any kind in the power industry. We plan and operate Alberta s electricity grid and wholesale electricity market safely, reliably and in the public interest of all Albertans. The AESO is committed to protecting your privacy. Your feedback, comments and/or contact information collected by the AESO will be used to respond to your inquiries and/or to provide you with further information about the project. The AESO will not use your personal information for any other purpose and will not disclose your information without consent or a legal obligation. If you choose to communicate by , please note, is not a secure form of communication. Security of your communication while in transit cannot be guaranteed. Project 1250

8 Attachment 2 AESO Stakeholder Newsletter Need Overview Notice Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

9 Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant Need for Transmission System Development in the Vermilion and Vegreville areas E.ON Climate & Renewables Canada Ltd. (E.ON) has applied to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) for transmission system access to connect its proposed Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant (Facility) in the Vermilion area. E.ON s request can be met by: Vermilion Area Building the Steele 2016S substation with a 144 kv circuit breaker, and associated equipment Building approximately 20 kilometres of 144 kv transmission line to connect the Facility to the Steele 2016S substation Modifying the existing 7L65 transmission line Vegreville Area Modifying the Vincent 2019S substation including adding a 144 kv transmission line, two 144 kv circuit breakers, and associated equipment Modifying the existing 7L65 transmission line The AESO has posted a Need Overview for this project on its website. Please click here to view the document or visit the AESO website at and follow the path Transmission > Needs Identification Documents > Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant.

10 Attachment 3 ATCO s Vermilion Project Information Brochure Grizzly Bear Transmission Project (December 2015) Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

11 PROJECT NEWSLETTER conversation SHAPE the CONTACT INFORMATION Your comments and concerns are important to us. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about this project or if you would like to share information with us. Call us toll free at: or contact the project planner directly: Deb Castor Right-of-Way Planning ATCO Electric Street Edmonton, AB T5J 2V6 Phone: Website: Fax: Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) Phone: Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Phone: (for toll-free, dial first) Open House We look forward to meeting with you and learning more about how, together, we can find the best locations for these new transmission facilities. ATCO Electric representatives will be available at an open house to share information, gather your input and address any questions or concerns you may have. Project information and displays will also be on hand for you to review. Please join us and help determine the best route for the Grizzly Bear Transmission Project. January 21, 2016 Vermilion Regional Centre 5702 College Drive Vermilion, AB 4:00 pm 8:00 pm 1 December 2015 GRIZZLY BEAR TRANSMISSION PROJECT You are receiving this newsletter because new transmission facilities are being planned in your area. The proposed Grizzly Bear Transmission Project will be located approximately 21 kilometres (km) southwest of Vermilion and is needed to connect new wind generation facilities to the electrical grid. If approved, the project will include the construction of a new 144-kilovolt (kv) switching station (called Steele 2016S) and approximately 20 km of new single-circuit 144-kV transmission line. ATCO Electric is seeking your input on how this project may affect you. If you are in the direct vicinity of the planned facilities, ATCO Electric will contact you in the coming weeks. When upgrades to Alberta s electrical system are needed, they are identified by 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 the AESO s Need Overview included with this letter, or visit If you have any questions or concerns about the need for this project you may contact the AESO directly or you can make your concerns known to an ATCO Electric representative who will communicate them to the AESO on your behalf. Included in this package: AESO Need Overview Project Fact Sheet - The Technical Details Route Concepts Mosaic Map AUC brochure: Public involvement in a proposed utility development Reply form and postage paid envelope

12 THE ALBERTA UTILITIES COMMISSION Alberta s electrical system is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), an independent agency of the province that ensures the fair and responsible delivery of utility services. Before ATCO Electric can begin construction on a project, the AUC must approve the facilities application, which includes details such as location of transmission facilities and routes. For more information about how you can participate in the AUC approval process, please refer to the enclosed AUC brochure, Public Involvement in a Proposed Utility Development. The Process Our research indicates that you are in the vicinity of the proposed route concepts for the Grizzly Bear Transmission Project. In the coming weeks, ATCO Electric will be contacting you to discuss the project. Consultation with landholders routinely leads to improvements on our projects. We have adjusted routes, developed new route options, and rejected other routes because of conversations with landholders. Your feedback and input will help determine the best possible routes. We would like to meet with you to gather information about the area and answer any questions you may have. Local Benefits Upgrading the transmission system in your area will: Improve access to safe, secure and reliable power Allow future businesses to connect to Alberta s electric system Encourage investment in our province If you are a local business, and would like information on ATCO Electric s approved vendors list, please contact us toll free at These conversations help us to determine the best route options for new transmission line developments. Once this initial consultation phase is complete, ATCO Electric will refine the routes. We will then begin another round of consultations with landowners in the vicinity of the selected route options to gather additional input (see The Schedule below). In developing route options, ATCO Electric must consider a range of route constraints and barriers including proximity to residences (see Transmission Routes on next page). We undertake extensive studies to understand the potential impacts on wildlife, wetlands and other sensitive areas. In addition to the in-person and telephone consultations that ATCO Electric will undertake, we invite anyone who is interested in this project to: join us at an open house (see back page for date & location); provide feedback and share other information using the enclosed reply form and postage paid envelope; be a part of the conversation. If you have any questions, concerns or other information regarding this project, we want to hear from you. The Right-of-Way Transmission Routes The term right-of-way refers to the area a transmission line uses including areas on either side of the line. Rights-of-way must have a minimum width to ensure safety and ongoing access for maintenance. For safety reasons, some general restrictions on the use of the land in the direct vicinity of the transmission line may apply. These include setbacks for development. Details including width and position of the right-ofway will depend on the type and size of the required structure, existing land use, surrounding features and other factors. Prior to consultation with landholders, ATCO Electric develops early route concepts (see enclosed map). In selecting early route concepts, ATCO Electric considers numerous constraints and barriers, including: Proximity to residences Environmentally sensitive areas Wetlands Existing infrastructure (i.e. other transmission lines, roads, highways, pipelines, telecommunication towers) Planned developments Agriculture operations Visual factors Construction & land acquisition costs Quarter and section lines Other special considerations (i.e. access roads) The enclosed map shows the early route concepts. New options may be developed in response to feedback, landholder consultations and ongoing studies of the project study area. Only one route will be selected and built. If you are within the vicinity of any of the enclosed early route concepts, ATCO Electric will contact you to schedule a personal consultation. Anyone who is interested in speaking with ATCO Electric on this proposed project can contact us to arrange a consultation at their convenience. Please see our contact information on the back of this newsletter. The right-of-way will follow property boundaries if feasible and in some situations, will follow existing features like a road, pipeline or another power line. The typical width of the right-of-way for this project is 18 m. Once a proposed route has been submitted to the AUC, ATCO Electric begins coordinating agreements with landholders to acquire rights-of-way. Once a right-ofway is constructed, landholders continue to use the right-of-way subject to the terms of agreements made between the landholder and ATCO Electric. THE SCHEDULE Public consultation begins with sharing information about the project in order to find the best options We gather your input. Based on this input and other factors, route option(s) are selected. ATCO Electric submits an application to the AUC to build the proposed facilities. The AUC reviews the application in a public process. If approved, construction of the new facilities begins. project notification December 2015 consultation begins January 2016 project update March 2016 consultation continues May 2016 right-of-way acquisition process begins AUC process continues December 2016 facilities completed and operating PUBLIC CONSULTATION is a continuous process that occurs throughout the life of the project open house held in Vermilion on January 21 *more details on the back of this newsletter application filed with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) (proposed routes) if approval is granted by the AUC, construction begins

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14 The Technical Details December 2015 PROJECT FACT SHEET 1 GRIZZLY BEAR TRANSMISSION PROJECT The technical details of facilities associated with the Grizzly Bear Transmission Project are described in this fact sheet. Designs may vary as plans are finalized. Existing 7L65 Transmission Line The existing 144-kilovolt (kv) transmission line 7L65 will be opened to accommodate the connecting line. New 144-kV Transmission Line 7LA65 Approximately 20 kilometres (km) of new single-circuit 144-kV transmission line (to be called 7LA65) will connect the existing 7L65 transmission line with the proposed Steele switching station. New Steele Switching Station This project requires the construction of a new 144-kV switching station (to be called Steele 2016S), located approximately 21 km southwest of Vermilion. THE DETAILS If approved, the new 7LA65 transmission line will be 144-kV and approximately 20 km long. The line will consist of: Three conductor wires Two overhead shield wires Davit-arm structure The typical structure is described in more detail on the back of this fact sheet. THE DETAILS If approved, the switching station will include the following equipment: One 144-kV circuit breaker Two 144-kV manual disconnect switches One new telecommunication tower The planned Steele switching station site was chosen to ensure suitable site conditions, good access and sufficient space for the incoming transmission line.

15 What It Will Look Like If approved by the Alberta Utilities Commission, the 144-kV transmission line will be built with single circuit Davit-arm structures similar to the one shown here. Structures will be single-circuit. This means that they will have one set of three wires strung across them. Two overhead shield wires will be strung from the tops of the structures to protect the line from lightning. The distance between structures will typically be 120 m. Non-typical structures with wider bases and/or guy wires and anchors may be required where the line ends or bends, at corners and to go over and around obstacles. In all cases minimum clearance will meet or exceed the requirements of provincial safety regulations. *Details may change as the project develops and designs are finalized. APPROXIMATE DIMENSIONS Height m Max. Width... 6 m Distance between structures m Typical right-of-way for this project 18 m *Rights-of-way are cleared of trees, bush and debris to allow access for construction and ongoing maintenance Definitions Capacitor bank: Acts like a temporary battery to store electrical energy created between conductors and maintain power supply. It also regulates the flow of electricity. Circuit: A circuit is a group of wires electricity flows through. ATCO Electric s transmission lines can be single or double circuit. A single circuit line has three wires and a double circuit line has six. A transmission line may also have one or two shield wires on the top of the structures to protect the line from lightning. Circuit breaker: An automatic switch that is designed to protect an electrical circuit from overloading by shutting off the flow of electricity. Consultation: A meeting where advice, information and views are exchanged. Double-Circuit: Two isolated transmission lines that share the same pole. They have one set of three wires on each side. Easement: A right to use private or crown land for the placement of transmission lines and structures. Kilovolt (kv): A kilovolt is equal to one thousand volts. This unit of measurement is most commonly used when describing transmission and distribution lines. Distribution and transmission lines in Alberta carry between 4 kv (4,000 volts) and 500 kv (500,000 volts). Right-of-way: A right-of-way is the use of a strip of land acquired for the construction and operation of a transmission line. The term right-of-way is also used to refer to the physical space a transmission line encompasses including areas on either side of the line. Transformer: A transformer is the device in a substation that steps voltage up or down. It transforms the electricity from higher transmission voltages to the lower distribution voltages that power your home. Termination: A termination is the point where a power line ends and connects to a substation. consultation@atcoelectric.com (toll free)

16 Attachment 4 ATCO s Vermilion Project Update Information Brochure Grizzly Bear Transmission Project - Project Update (April 2016) Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

17 April 01, 2016 Stakeholder name And address Alberta Postal Code Grizzly Bear Transmission Project Project Update Dear Stakeholder, In December 2015, ATCO Electric sent you information about the planned Grizzly Bear Transmission Project. If approved, the project will include the construction of a new 144-kilovolt (kv) switching station (called Steele 2016S) and approximately 20 kilometres (km) of new single-circuit 144-kV transmission line. Consultation with directly affected landowners along ATCO Electric s preliminary route options occurred between January and March, We thank everyone who took time to share their feedback and concerns about the project. This letter provides you with information about the route options that have been selected, the project timeline, access trails and temporary workspace, and next steps. Transmission Route Selection Prior to consultation with landholders, ATCO Electric developed several preliminary route concepts. In selecting preliminary route concepts, ATCO Electric considered numerous constraints and barriers, including: proximity to residences, environmentally sensitive areas, historical sites, wetlands, existing infrastructure (i.e. other transmission lines, roads, highways, pipelines, telecommunication towers), planned developments and agriculture operations, as well as visual factors, construction and land acquisition costs, quarter and section lines, and other special considerations (i.e. access roads). The preliminary route concepts were then subjected to extensive consultation to assess potential impacts on landowners, occupants, and interested parties. The results of consultations, field studies, and additional information were then compiled to identify the routes with the least overall impact. Selected Route Options Two routes have been identified as the selected route options for the project (see enclosed map). The Central route option is shown in pink and orange, and the East route option in blue. Routes that were previously considered but rejected are shown on the enclosed map in black. Parties on or beside a selected route option will be contacted by an ATCO Electric representative for additional consultation in the weeks ahead. Project Timeline March April 2016 May 2016 Notification to all landowners regarding route selection status, and consultation with landowners, occupants, agencies, and other interested parties directly on or beside the selected route options. Submission of the facilities application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). December 2016 December 2017 If approval is granted by the AUC, construction begins. Facilities completed and operating. Project timing may be adjusted to reflect final plans Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2V6 Tel: Fax:

18 Access Trails and Temporary Workspace Access trails may be required in areas where terrain conditions or the presence of wetlands make driving along the right-of-way impractical. In some situations, access trails will be temporary. Permanent access trails may be needed for ongoing maintenance in some areas. If required, temporary and permanent access trails will be approximately six to 15 metres (m) wide. In addition, temporary workspace may be required along the edge of the right-of-way and in other selected locations. If needed, this temporary workspace will be used to install the structures and string the transmission line. At corners or locations where the line bends, additional areas may be required to string the transmission line and accommodate the movement of equipment. This temporary workspace may extend beyond the right-of-way by up to 200 m by 50 m. The exact locations of all temporary workspace and structures have yet to be determined, and dimensions may vary with final plans. Landowners will be compensated for temporary workspace located outside of the right-of-way boundaries. Arrangements for temporary workspace will be discussed and negotiated with landowners individually. Next Steps If you have an interest in lands located on, or beside, the selected route options you will be contacted by an ATCO Electric representative to further discuss the project and to understand any questions or concerns you may have. Personal consultations for the selected route options will begin in April During these meetings, an ATCO Electric representative will provide details about the design specification, preferred right-of-way location and construction methods on or near your property. Feedback will be used to refine the route to further reduce potential impacts. Route refinements typically involve localized adjustments to the line location or position of structures in response to newly identified concerns and constraints. When consultations have been completed, ATCO Electric will submit a Facilities Application to the AUC to obtain approval for the construction and operation of the proposed facilities. If consultation indicates that both selected route options are feasible, ATCO Electric may identify a preferred route option and an alternative route option in the application. If approved, only one route will be constructed. For more information about how you can participate in the process, please refer to the enclosed AUC brochure, Public Involvement in a Proposed Utility Development. If you are not in the vicinity of a selected route option, you will not be contacted during the next round of personal consultations. If you have any questions or comments regarding the Grizzly Bear Transmission Project, please contact me at your earliest convenience. Sincerely, Deb Castor, Project Planner ATCO Electric Ltd. Toll Free: Direct: consultation@atcoelectric.com Enclosed: Updated Route Mosaic (DWG. NO. RS 7LA65 N 01) AESO Need Overview (Project 1250) AUC brochure: Public Involvement in a Proposed Utility Development Reply form and postage paid envelope

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20 Attachment 5 ATCO s Vegreville Project Information Brochure Modifications to the Proposed Vincent Substation - Grizzly Bear Transmission Project (January 2016) Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

21 January xx, 2016 <Stakeholder name Address Town, Alberta Postal Code> Modification to the Proposed Vincent Substation Grizzly Bear Transmission Project Dear <Stakeholder>, We are writing to update you on alterations we have made to the preliminary plans for new transmission facilities in your area. This letter provides important project information and outlines our public consultation process. Background In 2015, ATCO Electric notified potentially affected parties of our planned Vincent Substation (called Vincent 2019S) and new connecting transmission line 7LB65, which were proposed as part of our Heartland Connection Project. In December, 2015, ATCO Electric applied to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for that project and is currently awaiting approval to construct and operate those facilities. At this time, ATCO Electric is also undertaking a new project in the Vermilion area called the Grizzly Bear Transmission Project. This project will require minor modifications to the proposed Vincent 2019S substation and transmission line 7LB65 proposed in your area. Project Details The proposed Grizzly Bear Transmission Project will be located approximately 21 kilometres (km) southwest of Vermilion, and will include the construction of a new 144-kilovolt (kv) switching station (called Steele 2016S), and approximately 20 km of new single-circuit 144-kV transmission line (numbered 7LA65) that will connect to the existing 7L65 transmission line. These facilities are required to connect new wind generation facilities to the electric grid. To allow for these new facilities to connect to the electric grid and to ensure system reliability, ATCO Electric will need to make alterations to the Vincent 2019S substation and transmission line 7LB65 in the Vegreville area (previously proposed under the Heartland Connection Project). These alterations will include the following: Replacing the previously proposed single-circuit 144-kV transmission line 7LB65 (Heartland Connection Project) with approximately 80 metres of double-circuit 144-kV transmission line and re-locating this line on the southeast quarter of Section W4M, Extending the existing transmission line 7L65 to connect it to the proposed Vincent 2019S substation with an in/out tap configuration, Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2V6 Tel: Fax:

22 Renumbering the portion of 7L65 transmission line west of the Vincent 2019S substation as 7L134, and Adding two 144-kV circuit breakers to the Vincent 2019S substation. The proposed alterations are also identified in the attached Planned Site Layout. Project Timeline January - March 2016 May 2016 December 2016 December 2017 Notification and consultation with landowners, occupants, agencies and other interested parties. Submission of the facilities application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC). If approval is granted by the AUC, construction begins. Facilities completed and operating. Project timing may be adjusted to reflect final plans. Alberta s electrical system is regulated by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), an independent agency of the province that ensures the fair and responsible delivery of utility services. Before ATCO Electric can begin construction on a project, the AUC must approve the facilities application, which includes details such as location of transmission facilities and routes. For more information, please refer to the enclosed AUC brochure, Public Involvement in a Proposed Utility Development. Next steps The consultation process for this project is ongoing. In the weeks ahead we will be contacting you for a follow-up consultation. However, if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions about this project, please feel free to contact us (toll free) at or by at consultation@atcoelectric.com. You can also contact me directly at Sincerely, <original signed by> Deb Castor Right-of-Way Planner ATCO Electric Ltd. Enclosed: Planned Site Layout (DWG. NO. RS 7LA65 N 03) AESO Need Overview (Project 1250) AUC Brochure: Public Involvement in a Proposed Utility Development Reply Form and Postage Paid Envelope Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2V6 Tel: Fax:

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24 Attachment 6 AESO Public Notification of NID Filing (AESO Website Posting) Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

25 AESO Public Notification of NID Filing Developments Needed in the Vermilion and Vegreville Areas to Connect the Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) advises you that it intends to file a Needs Identification Document (NID) for the Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant Connection project (Facility) with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) on or after May 25, E.ON Climate & Renewables Canada Ltd. (E.ON) has applied to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) for transmission system access to connect its proposed Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant (Facility) in the Vermilion area. E.ON s request can be met by: building the Steele 2016S substation with a 144 kv circuit breaker; building approximately 20 kilometres of 144 kv transmission line to connect the Steele 2016S substation to the 144 kv transmission line 7L65, connecting the Steele 2016S substation to the Facility, and modifying the approved Vincent 2019S substation, including adding another 144 kv transmission line and two 144 kv circuit breakers to convert the approved T-tap connection to an in-and-out connection. The shaded area on the map indicates the approximate location of the transmission facility development and the black shaded square indicates the approximate location of the approved Vincent 2019S substation. In a separate application called a Facility Application, ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO), the transmission facility owner (TFO) in the Vermilion and Vegreville areas, will describe the transmission developments and request AUC approval to construct and operate the specific transmission facilities. The specific line routes may extend beyond the area shown. The AESO and ATCO presented this need to stakeholders, including residents, occupants and landowners, from December 2015 to May The AESO has considered feedback gathered from stakeholders, and technical and cost considerations, and will apply to the AUC for approval of the need for this transmission development. Once it is filed, the NID will be posted on the AESO website at Please visit our website, for more information, or contact the AESO at or stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca

26 Attachment 7 AESO Stakeholder Newsletter NID Filing Notice Alberta Electric System Operator 1250 May 2016

27 Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant Connection Notice of NID Filing E.ON Climate & Renewables Canada Ltd. (E.ON) has applied to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) for transmission system access to connect its proposed Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant (Facility) in the Vermilion area. E.ON s request can be met by: building the Steele 2016S substation with a 144 kv circuit breaker, building approximately 20 km of 144 kv transmission line to connect the Steele 2016S substation to the 144 kv transmission line 7L65, connecting the Steele 2016S substation to the Facility, and modifying the approved Vincent 2019 substation including adding another 144 kv transmission line and two 144 kv circuit breakers to convert the approved T-tap connection to an in-and-out connection. The AESO intends to file the Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant Connection Needs Identification Document (NID) application with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) on or after May 25, 2016, requesting that the AUC approve this NID. The AESO has posted the public notification for its NID filing on its website. Please click here to view the document or visit the AESO website at and follow the path Transmission > Needs Identification Documents > Grizzly Bear Creek Wind Power Plant Connection to see all the relevant documents, including the NID application once it is filed with the AUC.