Towering overhead power lines that run through Riverlands may be placed underground as part of the City of Red Deer’s major rejuvenation plans for the downtown area.
The city’s Electric, Light and Power Department will start planning this year for the eventual removal of the lines in the neighbourhood west of Taylor Drive. the area is destined to become a mecca of public gathering places and other development.
Department manager Ligong Gan said the city and the Greater Downtown Action Plan committee asked the department to look into the merits of burying the AltaLink line.
On Wednesday, Gan outlined his department’s plans for 2010 in front of city council, which is reviewing this year’s proposed operational budget.
The main benefit to place these lines underground is to give the area a more pleasing look, he said.
“With the line being buried underground, you will probably have more land for some important development,” Gan said.
Gan said he hopes to find out in the next couple of weeks from the Alberta Electric System Operator and AltaLink as to what the project may cost.
A pilot study will also get underway soon on whether LED traffic lights will be a cost-saver to the city. A number of communities across North America are installing these lights, made of arrays of light emitting diodes (LEDs), because they are said to be energy efficient and have a very long life compared with the old-style incandescent halogen bulbs.
The public will be consulted on whether the lighting level is good, Gan added.
The department will also develop its first long-term transmission master plan.
Gan also highlighted the city for having the most solar panel sites in Alberta on a per capita basis. There are eight in Red Deer.
The Canadian Electricity Association ranked Red Deer the best service provider of wire service for three years in a row.
“We have been doing a good job in maintaining the system and responding to trouble calls,” Gan said.
In 2009, the city experienced 164 power outages — the majority caused by equipment (41 per cent) and animals (26 per cent). The average outage lasted 20 minutes.
The department isn’t asking for any additional funds beyond its base budget. It will hire an engineer and technologist, two positions that will be funded by utility revenues.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com