December 20, 2012
Don Popowich, Director, Facilities
Alberta Utilities Commission
Fifth Avenue Place
4th Floor, 425 – 1 Street SW
Calgary, Alberta, T2P 3L8
Dear Sir:
RE:
Application for Alteration of Brintnell Substation 876S
Transformer and Voltage Regulator Status Change and Addition of
Two 25 kV Circuit Breakers
1.0
1.
ATCO Electric Ltd. (“ATCO Electric”) operates the Brintnell Substation 876S (Permit and
Licence No. U2012-293) located approximately 30 kilometres (km) northeast of the Town of
Wabasca, Alberta. ATCO Electric proposes to change the status of the existing 240 - 25
kilovolt (kV) transformer and 25 kV voltage regulator already in use from temporary to
permanent, and add two 25 kV circuit breakers to the substation. The facility alterations are
scheduled to be completed by November 1, 2013.
1.1
2.
INTRODUCTION
DISPOSITIONS REQUESTED
ATCO Electric hereby applies to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) pursuant to Section
14 and 15 of the Hydro and Electric Energy Act (HEEA) (Chapter H-16, RSA 2000, as
amended) for Permit, Licence, Approval, and Order to alter and operate the Brintnell
Substation 876S (Permit and Licence No. U2012-293).
1.2
PROJECT NEED
3.
Upgrades to transmission facilities are required to meet the existing and future demand in
the area. Pursuant to the applicable processes under the Electric Utilities Act, the need for
the project has been addressed by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) as Brintnell
876S Substation Modification.
4.
In accordance with Section 35 of the Electric Utilities Act, the AESO has directed ATCO
Electric to submit this Application. A copy of that correspondence is included in Attachment
4. AESO and ATCO Electric have agreed to coordinate the submission of the Need
Identification Document (NID) and Facility Application. Under the provisions of the
applicable AESO and AUC rules and of Section 15.4 of the HEEA, ATCO Electric hereby
10035 - 105 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T5J 2V6
Tel: 780-420-7310 Fax: 780-420-7400
www.atcoelectric.com
ATCO Electric
Application to Alberta Utilities Commission
Attachment 1 – Application Text
Brintnell Substation Alteration
December 2012
requests that this application be combined for consideration with NID Application No.
1609118.
2.0
5.
PROJECT DETAILS
This section describes the location, project details, and engineering specifications of the
proposed transmission facilities. The facilities will be designed in accordance with the
AESO’s Direction (Attachment 4) and Final Functional Specification (Attachment 5).
Brintnell Substation 876S
6.
ATCO Electric proposes to add two 25 kV circuit breakers to the current substation
equipment, and change the status of the existing 28/37.3/46.7 MVA 240 – 25kV transformer
and 25/33.3/41.6 MVA voltage regulator, described in previous Application No. 1606746 as
a 42 MVA 25 kV voltage regulator, from temporary to permanent. The transformer and
voltage regulator were originally installed on a temporary basis, but load demands in the
area require the status of this equipment be changed to permanent.
Location and Site
7.
The Brintnell Substation is situated in the Municipal District (M.D.) of Opportunity No. 17
located approximately 30 km northeast of the town of Wabasca. The site is located in LSDs
10 & 11 of 36-82-23 W4M, as shown on Site Plan Drawing RS-876S – A - 01 (Attachment
2). ATCO Electric holds a Crown lease for the existing substation property. No fence
expansion is necessary to accommodate the proposed substation alterations in this
Application.
Proposed addition / removal of major equipment
a.
Two (2)
25 kV circuit breakers (to be added).
Final design specifications for listed equipment
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
One (1)
28/37.3/46.7 MVA 240-25 kV transformer;
One (1)
30/40/50 MVA 240-25 kV transformer;
Five (5)
240 kV circuit breakers;
Six (6)
25 kV circuit breakers;
One (1)
42 MVA 25 kV voltage regulator;
An enclosure surrounded by a chain link fence; and
Other substation equipment as described in the application.
Engineering Outline
8.
The general substation equipment layout is indicated on the Site Plan, Drawing RS-876S –
A - 01 (Attachment 2). Engineering information, including switching and protection features,
is shown on the Proposed Single Line Diagram, RS-876S – A - 02 (Attachment 3).
Page 2
ATCO Electric
Application to Alberta Utilities Commission
Attachment 1 – Application Text
2.1
9.
SCHEDULE
Construction is scheduled to commence July 7, 2013, with a projected in-service date of
November 1, 2013.
2.3
11.
TRANSFORMER PURCHASE
ATCO Electric proposes to purchase a 240 – 25 kV, 50 MVA LTC transformer. The
purchase of the transformer is to replace the system spare which is currently installed at
Brintnell Substation 876S on a temporary basis and is proposed to remain installed in the
Brintnell Substation 876S on a permanent basis. The cost of purchasing a new spare
transformer is included in the Proposal to Provide Service cost estimate in Table 1.
2.2
10.
Brintnell Substation Alteration
December 2012
PROJECT COST
The cost estimate for the scope of project work is $4,881,812 as detailed in ATCO Electric’s
Proposal to Provide Service (PPS) that was submitted to the AESO. Additional details are
provided in Table 1.
Page 3
ATCO Electric
Application to Alberta Utilities Commission
Attachment 1 – Application Text
Brintnell Substation Alteration
December 2012
TABLE 1 - PROJECT COST ESTIMATE FOR ALTERATION OF BRINTNELL SUBSTATION
876S PROJECT (Accuracy +20/-10% 2012 Dollars)
System Portion
Customer Portion
TOTAL
Transmission Line Costs
Material
Labour
$
$
-
$
$
-
$
$
-
Total-Transmission line $
-
$
-
$
-
Substation Facilities Cost
Material
$
-
$
1,488,550
$
1,488,550
Labour
$
-
$
1,336,676
$
1,336,676
Total-Substations $
-
$
2,825,226
$
2,825,226
$
-
$
-
Telecommunications Cost
Material
$
Labour
-
$
-
$
-
$
-
Total-Telecommunication $
-
$
-
$
-
Owner Costs
Proposal to Provide Service
$
-
$
58,000
$
58,000
Facility Applications
$
-
$
101,970
$
101,970
Land Rights - Easements
Land - Damage Claims
$
$
-
$
$
-
$
$
-
Land - Acquisitions
Owners Costs
$
$
-
$
$
159,970
$
$
159,970
Procurement
Project Management
Construction Management
Contingency
$
$
$
$
-
$
$
$
$
56,700
275,880
309,880
362,800
$
$
$
$
56,700
275,880
309,880
362,800
Distributed Costs
$
-
$
1,005,260
$
1,005,260
Total Owners and Dist. Costs $
-
$
1,165,230
$
1,165,230
Total Direct Costs $
-
$
3,990,455
$
3,990,455
Salvage - Transmission Line Labour $
-
$
-
$
-
Salvage - Substation Labour
$
-
$
-
$
-
Land Remediation and Reclamation
$
-
$
-
$
-
Salvage Costs
Other Costs
$
-
$
-
$
-
Inflation $
E&S $
AFUDC $
-
$
$
$
502,000
389,357
-
$
$
$
502,000
389,357
-
Total Indirect Costs $
-
$
891,356
$
891,356
TOTAL PROJECT COSTS $
-
$
4,881,812
$
4,881,812
Distributed Costs
Page 4
ATCO Electric
Application to Alberta Utilities Commission
Attachment 1 – Application Text
3.0
Brintnell Substation Alteration
December 2012
LANDHOLDER AND AGENCY REFERRAL
12.
ATCO Electric undertook a comprehensive consultation program in accordance with the
requirements of AUC Rule 007. All landowners, occupants, agencies and other interested
parties within at least 800 metres (m) of the existing Brintnell Substation were notified of the
proposed alterations. ATCO Electric notified 20 landowners, occupants, agencies and other
potentially interested parties.
13.
ATCO Electric mailed out an information package on October 17, 2012 to the 20 potentially
interested parties to notify them of the project, to provide project specific details and to
facilitate the identification of any questions or concerns. The information package is
included in Attachment 6. The information package included:





14.
Project information package entitled Upgrades to the Brintnell Substation Project
Substation site map
AESO document entitled Need for Brintnell Capacity Increase in the Fort McMurray
Area
Reply form and postage paid envelope
Alberta Utilities Commission brochure entitled Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities
Application
In addition to notification, ATCO Electric also conducted personal consultation with directly
affected and adjacent landowners, occupants, agencies and other interested parties,
including:




7 agencies/organizations
6 industrial landholders or occupants
2 trappers; and
1 First Nation community
15.
This personal consultation was conducted with landholders and agencies in the project
search area from October to December 2012, in order to identify any concerns. ATCO
Electric has confirmed no objections or concerns for the proposed alterations.
16.
Following submission of the Facility Application, all participants identified by ATCO Electric
from the outset of the participant involvement program will receive an update about the
Project announcing that ATCO Electric has applied for the upgrades to the Brintnell
Substation. Those in the vicinity of the substation site will be advised of the construction
schedule and details prior to construction.
17.
Agency, industry and trapper consultations are summarized in Table 2.
Page 5
ATCO Electric
Application to Alberta Utilities Commission
Attachment 1 – Application Text
19.
Brintnell Substation Alteration
December 2012
ATCO Electric identified one First Nation, the Bigstone Cree Nation, as a potential interest
holder based on information from First Nation communities. Starting in October 2012, ATCO
Electric provided preliminary project information to this First Nation. The First Nation was
provided with additional project information as needed to help assess their interests and to
aid in planning any further activities required to identify potential impacts. The Bigstone Cree
Nation has confirmed that they do not have any interest in the project.
5.0
LAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
20.
The existing fenced area of the Brintnell Substation is approximately 131 m by 116 m and
will not be expanded. The surrounding area is Crown land with numerous nearby
commercial and industrial interests. Two companies hold forest interests in the area with
Forest Management Agreements and timber quotas. A pipeline right-of-way exists directly
east of the existing substation.
21.
ATCO Electric has received Historical Resources Act clearance from Alberta Culture (AC)
for this project. If any historical resources are discovered during construction, activity will be
suspended until permission is granted by AC.
22.
The scope of the activity is relatively minor and the proposed alterations will occur entirely
within the existing property. There will be no significant impacts on the adjacent landholders
or the environment. Landholders can expect some increase in noise and traffic during
construction. ATCO Electric will undertake the alterations adhering to Alberta Environment’s
R&R/11-03, Environmental Protection Guidelines for Transmission Lines.
6.0
23.
ATCO Electric commissioned a Noise Impact Assessment (NIA) for the Brintnell Substation
876S on October 12, 2010 under a previous project. This NIA was submitted as part of
Application No. 1606746. The results indicate that the facility complies with the permissible
sound levels (PSL) outlined in AUC Rule 012: Noise Control. ATCO Electric has determined
that the findings of this NIA are still valid as no additional significant noise-producing
equipment is being installed or altered for this project.
7.0
24.
NOISE EFFECTS
CONCLUSION
The facilities will be built and operated in accordance with the authorizations granted
pursuant to this application, Section 39 of the Electric Utilities Act (Safe and Reliable
Operation), the Safety Codes Act, and applicable regulations and industry standards. The
proposed facilities will be inspected and declared safe prior to being energized.
Page 8
ATCO Electric
Application to Alberta Utilities Commission
Attachment 1 – Application Text
25.
Brintnell Substation Alteration
December 2012
ATCO Electric is confident that the alterations described herein are both warranted and cost
effective, and respectfully requests the AUC’s favourable and timely consideration.
Correspondence or questions concerning this project can be directed to Project Planner
Sarah Stephenson (phone 780-509-9094), or the Project Manager Rosaria Obazee (phone
780-508-4798).
Yours truly,
ATCO Electric Ltd.
<original signed by>
Carey Kostyk, P.Eng, PMP
Director, Transmission Projects & Chief Engineer
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Application Cover Letter / Text (this document)
2. Proposed Site Plan, Drawing RS-876S – A - 01
3. Proposed Substation Single Line Diagram, RS-876S – A - 02
4. AESO Direction Correspondence (Project 1233, July 17, 2012)
5. AESO Functional Specification (December 11, 2012)
6. Project Information Package to landholders and agencies (October 2012)
Note:
A confidential site plan drawing has been included as part of the application. This drawing
includes landholder information for use by the AUC as part of their review and is designated as
“RS-876S – AC – 01.”
Page 9
Upgrades to the Brintnell Substation Project
October 2012
Why are you receiving this information
package?
Upgrades to existing transmission facilities are needed
near Wabasca, in north-central Alberta. ATCO Electric
was directed by the Alberta Electric System Operator
(AESO) to prepare a facility proposal to build the
required upgrades.
We have prepared this summary for landowners,
residents, occupants, agencies and interested parties
located near the Brintnell substation.
This package will provide you with important project
information and outlines our public consultation process.
We invite any comments, questions or concerns you
may have. Please refer to page four for our contact
information and details.
Project Overview
Included in this package
Alterations to the Brintnell substation are required to
provide a reliable source of electricity and address
concerns about capacity.
• Project information brochure
If approved, the project will involve upgrades to the
existing Brintnell substation located near Wabasca. The
planned upgrades include installing new equipment and
replacing some existing equipment. All upgrades will
occur within the existing fenced area at the substation
site.
Upgrades to the Brintnell Substation Project
• Reply form and postage paid envelope
• Alberta Utilities Commission brochure Public
Involvement in Needs or Facilities Applications
• Alberta Electric System Operator Need Overview
document
• Site plan
1
Project Need and Details
Brintnell Substation (876S)
When upgrades to Alberta’s electrical system are
needed, they are identified by the Alberta Electric
System Operator (AESO). The AESO has received
a request from ATCO Electric to perform necessary
upgrades to the Brintnell substation in order to maintain
reliability in the area and address capacity concerns.
The Brintnell substation, called 876S, is located
approximately 30 kilometres (km) northeast of the Town
of Wabasca in the Municipal District of Opportunity on
the northeast and northwest quarter of Section 36-82-23
W4M.
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 package, or visit www.aeso.ca. 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.
If approved, upgrades to the Brintnell substation will
include installing two 25 kilovolt (kV) circuit breakers and
associated switches and equipment (please refer to the
site plan on page three). The project will also include
changing the status of the 240/25 kV transformer and
regulator already in use in the substation from temporary
to permanent.
Facilities Application Process
Once public feedback has been considered, ATCO
Electric will submit a facilities application to the
Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to obtain approval
to construct the planned upgrades to the Brintnell
substation.
For more information about how you can participate in
the process, please refer to the enclosed AUC brochure
entitled Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities
Applications.
A substation in Alberta
Upgrades to the Brintnell Substation Project
2
Brintnell Substation Site Plan
Upgrades to the Brintnell Substation Project
3
ATCO Electric
Proposed Timeline*
October 2012
Consultation with landowners and agencies
December 2012
Submission of the facilities application to the Alberta
Utilities Commission (AUC)
July 2013
If approval is granted by the AUC, construction will
commence
November 2013
Facilities completed and operating
*Timing may be adjusted to reflect final plans.
Contact Us
Albertans count on us for the safe, reliable and costeffective delivery of electricity to their homes, farms and
businesses. We have delivered electricity to Albertans
for 85 years. Headquartered in Edmonton, ATCO Electric
has 38 service offices serving nearly two-thirds of the
province in northern and east-central Alberta.
We help keep the lights on across the province by
building, operating and maintaining more than
72,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power
lines. We also operate an additional 10,000 kilometres of
distribution power lines on behalf of Rural Electrification
Associations.
We are committed to responsible development and
environmental practices. We conduct an open and
transparent consultation process, carefully considering
the impacts to landowners, communities and the
environment.
Your comments and concerns are important to us.
Please contact us toll free 1-855-420-5775 or direct:
Sarah Stephenson, Project Planner
ATCO Electric
10035-105 Street
Edmonton, AB T5J 2V6
Phone: 780-509-9094
Fax: 780-420-5030
Email: consultation@atcoelectric.com
Website: www.atcoelectric.com
Upgrades to the Brintnell Substation Project
4
Need for Brintnell Capacity Increase in the Fort McMurray Area
Transmission Development Information for Stakeholders
Why is this transmission development needed?
ATCO Electric has requested a capacity increase at the Brintnell 876S substation to support load growth
in the Brintnell oilfield area near the Town of Wabasca in the Fort McMurray area. In response to this
request, the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has determined that this need for capacity increase
can be reliably met by installing new breakers and changing the status of one transformer from temporary
to permanent at the Brintnell 876S substation.
The AESO is processing ATCO’s request, including providing information to landowners, occupants,
residents and agencies in the area that may be near the proposed transmission development. The AESO
intends to apply to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for approval of this need in late 2012. The
Brintnell 876S Upgrade Needs Identification Document (NID) will be available at
http://www.aeso.ca/transmission/8969.html when the AESO files this application with the AUC.
Who is the AESO?
Alberta’s transmission system, sometimes referred to as the Alberta Interconnected Electric System
(AIES), is planned and operated by the AESO. The transmission system comprises the high-voltage lines,
towers and equipment (generally 69kV and above) that transmit electricity from generators to lower
voltage systems that distribute electricity to cities, towns, rural areas and large industrial customers.
The AESO’s role is to maintain safe, reliable and economic operation of the AIES. The AESO’s planning
responsibilities includes determining the need for transmission system development and the manner in
which that need is met. The AESO is also mandated to facilitate the interconnection of qualified market
participants to the AIES. The AESO is regulated by the AUC and must apply to the AUC for approval of
its NID.
How is ATCO involved?
ATCO is the transmission facilities owner (TFO) in the area. While the AESO is responsible for identifying
that transmission system development is needed, ATCO is responsible for detailed siting and routing,
constructing, operating and maintaining the associated transmission facilities. The AESO has directed
ATCO to provide information to stakeholders on this need and to file a facility proposal application with
the AUC which will include a detailed description and location of the proposed transmission development.
P1233
October 2012
Further Information
The AESO appreciates your views on the need for transmission system development and your comments
are encouraged. If you have any questions or suggestions regarding the need for the proposed
transmission system development in the Fort McMurray area or the AESO’s application regarding this
need, please contact:
Megan Harris
AESO Stakeholder Relations 1-888-866-2959
stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca
2500, 330 – 5th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 0L4
The AESO is committed to protecting your personal privacy in accordance with Alberta's Personal Information
Protection Act. Any personal information collected by the AESO with regard to this project may be used to provide
you with further information about the project, may be disclosed to the Alberta Utilities Commission (and as a result,
may become public), and may also be disclosed to AltaLink as the legal owner of transmission facilities in your area.
If you have any questions about how the AESO will use and disclose your personal information, please contact us at
1-888-866-2959 or at stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca
REPLY FORM
UPGRADES TO THE BRINTNELL SUBSTATION PROJECT
10035 – 105 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2V6
CONTACT INFORMATION
Date (DD/MM/YYYY):
First Name:
Please help us identify new contacts
Last Name:
Company/Organization Name (if applicable):
Mailing Address:
You were contacted about this project because ATCO Electric
identified you or your company/organization as having a land interest
in the vicinity of the project. Is there anyone else associated with your
property, such as other owners, renters or occupants, who we should
also contact? If so, please provide the name(s) and contact
information below:
City/Town:
Province:
Postal Code:
Home Phone:
Cell Phone:
Business Phone:
Fax:
I would like to receive all future correspondence about this project by Email
(If this is your preference, please check the box)
Email:
ABOUT PRIVACY: The information on this form is being collected to help identify potential concerns with proposed alterations and the location of proposed
power transmission facilities, to facilitate communications about the project, and to comply with our obligations to the Alberta Utilities Commission. This
information may be provided to the Alberta Utilities Commission, other electric facility owners or the Surface Rights Board. Information relating to the need for the
facilities may be provided to the Alberta Electric System Operator. Enquiries or concerns about ATCO Electric's privacy policies can be directed to Tony
Melnychuk, privacy officer (address above), phone 780-420-4466.
Please list any residences, buildings or other areas on your property that should be avoided:
I am not aware of any residences, buildings, facilities, or areas on my property that should be avoided (If this statement applies to you, please check the box)
LOCATION
DESCRIPTION
(If you require additional space, please attach a separate sheet)
Please share any comments or concerns that you have about the project:
HOW TO SUBMIT: Please use the enclosed envelope to return by mail or fax to 780-420-5030. If you would like more information about the project, please
contact us toll free 1-855-420-5775 or by Email: consultation@atcoelectric.com.