Alberta puts 3 mega-transmission line projects on hold pending review
EDMONTON — Three big-ticket power lines in Alberta have been put on hold while the province reviews the projects and the decision-making that led to them.
The Alberta Utilities Commission says it is suspending hearings and reviews on the Heartland line in and around Edmonton, the Western Alberta line in and around Calgary and the Eastern Alberta transmission line in the south.
The commission, an arm’s-length government agency, made the move in response to a request from Energy Minister Ted Morton.
Premier Alison Redford promised during her party’s leadership campaign to revisit power line construction.
Detractors have denounced the rapid building pace as well as new legislation that allows cabinet to bypass public hearings and order new lines if they are deemed critical.
Former premier Ed Stelmach said the lines were needed, but opponents say excess power would be sold to the United States at a substantial profit.
COMMENTS
Let's keep comments:
We ask that all participants own their words by logging in with their Facebook account. It's a simple process that will take seconds and helps keep our comments free of trolls, cranks, and “drive-by” commenters.
We reserve the right to remove comments from anyone using screen names, pseudonyms or false identities. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.