The AFREA and our Position on Critical Transmission Systems in Alberta (Bill 50)

The Alberta Federation of Rural Electrification Associations Ltd. (AFREA) supports the Government and their efforts to introduce a strategy for defining and approving critical transmission systems in Alberta. There is a need to install new systems that will meet Albertan’s expectations and the growing demand on the electrical transmission system in our province. By addressing this issue now, hopefully we can avoid what will become a more serious issue in the future. To rationally address this proposed bill there are two distinct points that must be addressed and analyzed separately to determine the overall impact on the transmission system and on all Albertan’s.

It is not as easy as coming right out and saying “I support Bill 50” or “I do not support Bill 50.” It is necessary to look at the Act and its implications on our transmission system, the people of Alberta today and the future needs in the same manner that any successful sustainability strategy works with foundational pillars of a community, business or system.

At its base level, this issue involves and affects everyone in our province and in some cases those outside of our borders. Alberta, as a viable and vibrant province, depends on the efficient and economical infrastructures put in place to support it and its growing population. People depend on power in the course of their everyday life and all the modern conveniences of that everyday life require a reliable system to transmit it to them. Sustainability, however, does not just consider the “me” of today, it must consider the “we” of tomorrow. If we want to be certain that the power goes on when we flip the switch, it is important to realize WE MUST accept that the systems we rely on need to be upgraded, reinforced and constructed not just for our comfort today, but for future generations.  

The Government, under amendments to this Act, accepts the responsibility of decision-making for all Albertans in determining where and when critical transmission is required. “Someone needs to make this decision who better than our provincial government.” The remaining process is the same - input is received, evaluated and the agencies that oversee Alberta’s power industry remain.

Realizing that building new transmission systems is necessary to the future of Alberta is the first step. It is also important to understand that in building new transmission systems there is an end cost to the consumer to provide an acceptable level of reliability. Community and business support goes a long way in setting a positive example to the people who live in the communities that may be affected directly by the construction. We would request fair and equitable compensation be offered to those who carry the inconveniences of the masses within their backyard. These inconveniences appear minor in comparison to the interruption of power if we do not increase the capacity of the system that continues to carry an increasing load.

The AFREA has 43 Rural Electrification Associations, representing over 34,000 rural members throughout the province of Alberta. In some cases, the infrastructure we speak of will encroach upon farmland and perhaps upon our own member’s land but we realize that it is a necessary step in insuring that “when our members flip the switch, the lights will go on.”

The AFREA supports Bill 50 and the efforts of the Alberta Government to provide for the people of Alberta.

                                                                                                                    © AFREA October 2009