1Dawes Substation Project

March 2013

Dawes Substation Project Why are you receiving this project information package?

New transmission facilities are needed in the Fort McMurray area. ATCO Electric has been directed by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) to prepare a facilities proposal for the new development as part of the Algar Area System Development. As part of the facility application process, ATCO Electric is assessing site and route options for these facilities.

We have prepared this summary for landowners, occupants, agencies and interested parties located near the proposed power transmission facilities.

This package provides important project information and outlines our public consultation process. We invite any comments, questions or concerns you may have. Please refer to page six for our contact information and details.

Included in this package:• Project information brochure• Reply form and postage paid envelope• Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) Need

Overview document• Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) brochure Public

Involvement in Needs or Facilities Applications• Maps and drawings

Project Overview

The Dawes substation project is needed to provide reinforcement to the existing Fort McMurray 144-kilovolt (kV) transmission system and support future transmission system developments in the area.

If approved, the project will involve building a new substation, approximately three kilometres of new 240-kV transmission line, approximately two kilometres of 144-kV transmission line, a 47 metre (m) telecommunication tower, and one diesel backup generator.

2Dawes Substation Project

Project Need and Details

When upgrades to Alberta’s electrical system are needed,theyareidentifiedbytheAlbertaElectricSystem Operator (AESO). The Dawes substation project is necessary to provide reinforcement to the existing Fort McMurray 144-kilovolt transmission system and support future transmission system developments in the area. TheAESOhasidentifiedtheneedforanewsubstationin order to meet the increased demand for electricity.

TheAESOisanindependent,not-for-profitorganizationresponsible 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.

Dawes Substation

If approved, the proposed Dawes substation (to be called 2011S) will be located approximately 50 km southwest of Fort McMurray. The preliminary location for the substation is on the southeast quarter of Section 19-84-11 W4M and the southwest quarter of Section 20-84-11-W4M. The substation will include:

• one 240/144-kilovolt (kV) transformer• three 240-kV circuit breakers• three 144-kV circuit breakers• one diesel backup generator • one 47 m telecommunication tower and related

electrical and communications equipment

Site and Route Selection

The proposed site for the Dawes substation was chosen to ensure:

• suitable site conditions (level, well-drained) • good access• sufficientspaceforinitialdevelopmentandincoming

lines • adequate setback from adjacent development and

environmentally sensitive areas

Wehaveidentifiedapreliminaryrouteoptionforthetransmission lines. Route options were selected to:

• minimizeimpactstoenvironmentallysensitiveareassuch as watercourses, wet or steep areas, wildlife habitat, recreational use and other sensitive areas such as designated historical sites

• minimizefragmentationtooilsandleases• follow existing road allowances, linear disturbances,

other right-of-ways or property boundaries wherever possible

• minimizeimpactsonbuilt-upareas,highways,oilandgas operations and communication facilities

Other site and route options may be considered if identifiedthroughourconsultationprocess.

3Dawes Substation Project

240-Kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line

If approved, the project will involve the construction of approximately three kilometres (km) of new 240-kilovolt (kV) single-circuit transmission line. The new line will connect the proposed Dawes substation (to be called 2011S) to an existing transmission line (called 9L07), effectively dividing the existing transmission line into two parts. The portion of the existing line to the north of the proposed substation will retain the name 9L07. The remaining portion of the existing line to the south of the substation will be renamed 9L89.

Due to these upgrades, a portion of the existing line will no longer be needed, as shown on the enclosed map. This segment of the existing transmission line will be removed and the area reclaimed, where necessary. Materials removed from the transmission line will be reused by ATCO Electric or recycled according to local, provincial and federal regulations and guidelines.

The newly constructed single-circuit transmission line will consist of three conductor wires and two overhead shield wires on steel or wood pole structure. Typical structure design will be based on the “H-frame” structure shown on the right. These structures will be approximately 20 m - 23 m tall. The typical distance between structures will range from 120 m to 300 m.

Non-typical structures with taller or additional poles and/or anchors may be required where the line ends or bends, at corners, and to maneuver around and over obstacles. In all cases, minimum clearance will meet or exceed the requirements of provincial safety regulations.

240 kV “H-Frame” Single-Circuit Structure

Approximate Dimensions

Height….....….....20 - 23 m Max. width…........…..12 m Distance between structures.......120 to 300 m

4Dawes Substation Project

144 kV Double Circuit Structure

Approximate Dimensions

Height….....….....21 - 23 m Max. Width…........…..12 m Distance between structures.......120 to 150 m

144 Kilovolt (kV) Transmission Line

If approved, the project will involve the construction of approximately two kilometres (km) of new 144-kilovolt (kV) double-circuit transmission line. The new line (to be called 7L170) will connect the proposed Dawes substation (to be called 2011S) to an existing transmission line (called 7L36). The newly constructed double-circuit transmission line will consist of two sets of three conductor wires plus one overhead shield wire strung on steel pole structure. Typical design will be based on the structure shown on the right. These structures will be supported by guy wires and will range from 21 m to 23 m tall. The typical distance between structures will range from 120 m to 150 m.

Non-typical structures with taller or additional poles and/or anchors may be required where the line ends or bends, at corners, and to maneuver around and over obstacles. In all cases, minimum clearance will meet or exceed the requirements of provincial safety regulation.

Facilities Application Process

Once feedback has been considered and the transmission line route and substation location has beenfinalized,ATCOElectricwillsubmitafacilitiesapplication to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to obtain approval for the construction and operation of the proposed transmission facilities.

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.

5Dawes Substation Project

Typical Right-of-Way

Transmission lines are located in corridors that have been cleared of brush and other obstacles. These areas are called a ‘right- of-way’. A right-of-way must have a minimum width to ensure safety and allow for construction and ongoing access for maintenance purposes.

The width of the right-of-way, and the position of transmission structures within it, will depend on a variety of factors, including the type of structure that is used. The typical right-of-ways associated with this project are shown below. Details maychangeasdesignsarefinalized.

6Dawes Substation Project

Proposed Timeline*:

April 2013

Consultation with landholders and agencies

June 2013

Submission of the facilities application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC)

January 2014

If approval is granted by the AUC, construction will commence

November 2014

Facilities completed and operating

*Timingmaybeadjustedtoreflectfinalplans

Contact Us

Your comments and concerns are important to us. Please contact us toll free: 1-855-420-5775 or direct:

Dani Koleyak, Project Planner

ATCO Electric 10035-105 Street Edmonton, AB T5J 2V6

Phone: Fax: E-mail: Website:

780-733-2734 780-420-5030 consultation@atcoelectric.com www.atcoelectric.com

ATCO Electric

Albertans count on us for the safe, reliable and cost-effective delivery of electricity to their homes, farms and businesses. We have delivered electricity to Albertans for more than 85 years. Headquartered in Edmonton, ATCOElectrichas38serviceofficesservingnearlytwo-thirds of the province in northern and east-central Alberta.

We help keep the lights on across the province by building, operating and maintaining approximately 72,000 kilometres of transmission and distribution power lines. We also operate an additional 10,000 kilometres of distributionpowerlinesonbehalfofRuralElectrificationAssociations.

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.

Algar Area System Development

Why is Development Needed?The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is responsible for the safe, reliable and efficient planning and operation of the transmission system.

Gregoire Lake

Athabasca River

Clearwater River

6363

881

63

63

Fort McMurray

Gregoire Lake 176

Proposed Development Areas

Industrial development in the area southwest of the city of Fort McMurray is increasing electricity demand. The AESO has identified the need for transmission system reinforcement consisting of a new 144 kV source substation and associated equipment.

The AESO is proposing to develop the new Dawes 2011S 240/144 kV substation, connected to the existing 240 kV line 9L07 in the vicinity of the existing Algar 875S substation. This will provide needed reinforcement to the existing Fort McMurray 144 kV transmission system, and support future transmission system developments in the area. The AESO will file a needs identification document with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) in the summer of 2012.

In separate applications called facilities applications, ATCO Electric Ltd., the transmission facility owner (TFO) in the area, will describe the specific routes and sites it proposes to implement the transmission system development, and request approval from the AUC to construct and operate the specific transmission facilities.

The shaded area on the above map indicates the approximate area where the need for transmission development has been identified. The transmission facility owner will propose specific substation sites and transmission line routes that may extend beyond the area shown. Fort McMurray, Alberta

Alberta’s transmission system is planned and operated by the AESO. The AESO’s role is to maintain safe, reliable and effi cient operation of the transmission system, sometimes referred to as the Alberta Interconnected Electric System (AIES). The AESO’s planning responsibility 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 qualifi ed market participants to the AIES.

When the AESO identifi es a need for new or upgraded transmission lines, substations or other equipment associated with the transmission system, and has determined how it proposes to address this need, the AESO prepares a Needs Identifi cation Document (NID) with this information and fi les it with the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for approval. The AESO will direct the transmission facility owner (TFO) in the area to begin work on the project.

AESO AND TFO ROLES

The AESO operates the provincial transmission system so that all Albertans can count on safe and reliable electricity to power our homes and businesses each and every day. The AESO also carefully

Who is the Alberta Electric System Operator?The AESO is an independent, not-for-profi t organization acting in the public interest of all Albertans. The AESO has no fi nancial interest or investment of any kind in the power industry.

To Learn More About the Regulatory Process:Please contact the Alberta Utilities

Commission (AUC):

WEB: www.auc.ab.ca

EMAIL: utilitiesconcerns@auc.ab.ca

PHONE: 780-427-4903 (dial 310-0000 before the 10-digit number to be connected toll-free from anywhere in Alberta)

plans upgrades to the system to ensure we keep pace with Alberta’s growing demand for power.

ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO) is the TFO in the project 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.

AESO directs the TFOto fi le Facility Application

Alberta Utilities Commission Process

* Need for specifi ed Critical Transmission Infrastructure projects are approved by the Lieutenant Governor In Council (LGIC)

Approval of Need

Approval of Siting and Routing, and to

Construct and Operate

TFO Process

TFO Consultation, DetailedDesign, Routing and Siting

TFO Applies to the AUC for Approval of Siting and Routing, and to Construct

and Operate

AESO Process

AESO Identifi es Need for Transmission Development

AESO Consultation(Mailouts, Open Houses,

Meetings)

AESO Applies to AUC for Approval of Need*

REGULATORY PROCESS

The AESO will direct ATCO to fi le facilities applications with the AUC which will include detailed descriptions and locations of the proposed transmission facilities.

There are four major TFOs in Alberta:

• ATCO Electric Ltd.

• AltaLink Management Ltd.

• EPCOR Utilities Inc.

• ENMAX Power Corporation

Did you know?

The AESO facilitates Alberta’s fair, effi cient and openly competitive wholesale electricity market, which in 2010 had about

164 participants and approximately

$8 billion in annual energy transactions.

Every two years the AESO conducts a full mock disaster recovery exercise with over

200 industry participants to simulate full recovery of the grid from a province-wide blackout.

Electricity demand in Alberta has

increased 36% since 2000 and is expected to

grow 2.4% per year until 2032.

AESO forecasts show that

growth in Alberta’s economy will increase 2.5% per year over the next 20 years.

Power LingoThe electricity industry has a language all its own.

TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

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.

ALBERTA INTERCONNECTED ELECTRIC SYSTEM (AIES)

The system of interconnected transmission power lines and generators managed by the AESO, that ensures the supply of electricity matches the demand for power every second.

RELIABILITY

Electric system reliability is the ability of a system to respond to the changing demand for power from consumers. It also describes a system’s ability to withstand sudden disturbances, like bad weather or unanticipated equipment failure.

SUBSTATION

Substations are the connection point between high-voltage transmission lines and the lower voltage power lines that connect directly to homes and businesses.

KILOWATT (KW) AND KILOWATT HOUR (KWH)

Power is measured in watts. One kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. Imagine 10 lamps lit with 100 watt bulbs for one hour. At the end of the hour, you will have used one kilowatt hour of electricity. Electricity retailers typically bill households in kilowatt hours.

NEEDS IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENT (NID)

A Needs Identifi cation Document describes either the conditions that will affect the operation and performance of the transmission system or the need to improve the effi ciency of the transmission system, and indicates how these will be addressed. Siting of facilities and routing of transmission lines are determined later in the Regulatory Process.

Christina Lake Area 240 kV Transmission System Development

Transmission system development is needed in the Christina Lake area to serve future industrial growth. Planned developments include three new 240 kV substations, approximately 100–150 km of 240 kV transmission line and modifications at several existing substations. The Christina Lake Needs Identification Document (NID) was approved by the AUC in April 2012.

Chard 658S Substation Connection

ATCO Electric Ltd. has requested connection of Enbridge Inc.’s proposed Chard 658S substation to the transmission system in the Christina Lake area. The request requires the development of a short, single-circuit 144 kV transmission line, between Enbridge’s proposed Chard substation and the existing line 7L114 in the area. The Chard 658S Substation Connection NID was approved by the AUC in April 2012.

For More InformationThe 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 area southwest of the city of Fort McMurray or the AESO’s application regarding this need, please contact:

Mark Sears-Gamache

AESO Stakeholder Relations

EMAIL: stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca

PHONE: 1-888-866-2959

ADDRESS: 2500, 330 – 5th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 0L4

To learn more about the complex electricity industry and its importance to our quality of life and the province’s economic well-being, please visit

www.poweringalberta.com

REV 0512

Other Projects in the Area

Halfway 2014S Substation

ATCO Electric Ltd. has requested an increase in transmission capacity to serve growing electricity demand south of the city of Fort McMurray. ATCO’s request can be addressed by developing a new 144/4.16 kV substation and associated equipment to be connected to the existing 7L97 transmission line by a new single circuit 144 kV transmission line.

Kinosis 856S Substation Modification

ATCO Electric Ltd. has requested transmission system access to serve electricity demand in the area southeast of the city of Fort McMurray. ATCO’s request can be addressed by modifying the existing Kinosis 856S substation by adding a new 25 kV breaker and relocating and replacing other equipment within the substation.

The following is a list of other projects in your area that you may have heard about or that may be coming soon. Each of these will follow the Regulatory Process, with the AESO submitting needs identification documents and TFOs submitting facilities applications to the AUC for approval.

10035 – 105 Street, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 2V6

First Name:

Last Name:

Company/Organization Name (if applicable):

Mailing Address:

City/Town:

Province:

Postal Code:

Home Phone:

Cell Phone:

Business Phone:

Fax:

Email:

Please list any residences, buildings or other areas on your property that should be avoided:

LOCATION DESCRIPTION

(If you require additional space, please attach a separate sheet)

REPLY FORM

Date (DD/MM/YYYY):

DAWES SUBSTATION PROJECT

CONTACT INFORMATION

I would like to receive all future correspondence about this project by Email (If this is your preference, please check the box)

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.

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:

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.

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)

Please help us identify new contacts

www.auc.ab.ca

The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) is committed to ensuring that Albertans whose rights may be directly and adversely affected by a needs, or a utility facilities application, is informed of the application and have the opportunity to have his/her concerns heard, understood and considered.

If you believe an application may directly and adversely affect you, you can become involved in the AUC application process. This pamphlet explains how.

www.auc.ab.ca

Public Involvement In Needs Or Facilities Applications

Step 7AUC decision

(If no submissions are made the AUC will continue to process the application)

Step 1Public consultation

(prior to application to the AUC)

Step 2Application made to the AUC

Step 3AUC issues notice of application (or hearing)

Step 4Interested parties make submissions or objections

Step 5Opportunity for consultation and negotiation

AUC issues notice of hearing (if not already issued in Step 3)

Step 6Public hearing

Step 9Approvals, construction and operation of facility (if approved)

Step 8 Right to appeal

(by applicant or dissatisfied persons)

Summary of the AUC application process

2

Facilities: Approval of application or Approval of application with conditions or Denial of application

Needs: Approval of application or Return to applicant or Denial of application

3

Facilities: Approval of application or Approval of application with conditions or Denial of application

The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC or Commission) regulates transmission lines, electric substations, power generation facilities (i.e. power plants including wind turbines) and gas utility pipelines in Alberta. The AUC is committed to ensuring that Albertans whose rights may be directly and adversely affectedby an application for these facilities is informed of the application and has the opportunity to have their concerns heard, considered and understood.

Transmission needs and utility facilities applications

Approvals from the AUC are required for the construction, operation, alteration and decommissioning of transmission lines and electric substations. These include:

· Approval of the need for transmission upgrades.*

· Approval of the route and location of transmission facilities.

(* The Electric Statutes Amendment Act gives the provincial cabinet responsibility for approving the need for specified critical transmission infrastructure projects.)

Sometimes an application for needs approval is considered together with an application for a utility facilities approval in a single hearing, or separate hearings may be held to consider each application.

Power generation facilities and gas utility pipelines

Approvals from the AUC are required for the construction, operation, alteration and decommissioning of power generation and gas utility pipeline facilities in Alberta.

If you believe that you have rights that may be directly and adversely affected by the decision of the AUC on an application relating to a transmission line or electric substation, a power generation facility or a gas utility pipeline you can become involved in the AUC application process. This pamphlet explains how.

A summary of our process is on the page to the left. The rest of this brochure explains each of the steps.

AUC’s role in needs and facilities applications

Prior to making an application to the Commission on the need for transmission changes, or for a proposed facility, the applicant is required to conduct meaningful public consultation in the area of the proposed needs, or facilities project(s), so that concerns may be raised, properly addressed and if possible, resolved.

The Commission has set out requirements for applicants to follow regarding public consultation about needs applications for transmission changes. The AUC also has requirements for public consultation for utility facilities applications in respect of power plants, substations, transmission lines and industrial system designations, set out in AUC Rule 007. The requirements for gas pipeline consultation and notification are set out in AUC Rule 020. AUC Rule 007 and Rule 020 can be found on the AUC website at www.auc.ab.ca.

Potentially-affected parties are strongly encouraged to participate in the initial public consultation, as early involvement in informal discussions with an applicant may lead to greater influence on project planning.

Step 1: Public consultation prior to application

4

Step 2: Application to the Alberta Utilities Commission

After the applicant has conducted its public consultation process, it should take into consideration what it learned during consultations and make any amendments it sees as necessary and reasonable to its proposal. The applicant then makes an application to the Alberta Utilities Commission.

Applicants must identify in their application any unresolved objections or concerns that they are aware of from the public consultation process.

5

Meaningful public participation through a fair, open and transparent process is important and necessary if the AUC is to reach sound and principled decisions.

Step 3: Public notification

If you wish to participate in a proceeding, you must make a written submission to the Commis-sion in accordance with the AUC’s notice of application.

Submissions must contain: • A brief description of your concern with or interest in the application, in particular how approval of the application may directly and adversely affect you.

• A brief explanation of your position, on what decision you feel the AUC should take, including why you believe that the Commission should accept your recommendation.

The Commission will consider your submission and decide whether you are a person who may be directly and adversely affected by the proposed project. If you are, an AUC public hearing may be held.

The Commission will issue a notice of application when it receives an application that, in the Com-mission’s opinion, may directly and adversely affect the rights of one or more people. The notice is typically published in local newspapers. The notice will provide key dates, contacts and informa-tion on how to participate for those who are interested in becoming involved in the application process.

Step 4: Public participation

6

Parties wanting to become a participant in an AUC proceeding must make a written submission to the AUC.

Subject to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, all documents filed in respect of an application must be placed on the public record and are accessible through the AUC website. If you wish to keep any information in a document confidential, you must make a request for confidentiality to the Commission. To do this, contact the lead application officer specified in the notice of application, before filing the document in question.

AUC filing systems Documents associated with applications are stored and accessed through the AUC’s electronic filing systems. The AUC would appreciate receiving submissions through its electronic filing services on our website, however submissions may also be made through mail, email or fax. More information on the electronic filing services can be found on the AUC’s website at www.auc.ab.ca or by calling Electronic Filing Services. Please see the back cover of this pamphlet for contact information.

Financial assistance If a party may be potentially directly and adversely affected by a proposed facility, they can apply to be reimbursed for reasonable costs incurred in support of their participation in a Commission proceeding. Details regarding recovery of participants’ costs are described in AUC Rule 009: Rules on Local Intervener Costs, available on the AUC’s website at www.auc.ab.ca.

7

The Commission supports ongoing efforts to reach a positive outcome for the applicant and all affected parties. The Commission encourages the applicant and those who have filed submissions to continue to attempt to resolve any outstanding issues.

Sometimes in utility facilities applications, the applicant may suggest that it enter into an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) process to resolve any outstanding issues. In an ADR process, the applicant and the participants agree to meet with an independent third party who will facilitate discussions between the parties in an attempt to reach an agreement.

Step 5: Consultation and negotiation

8

ADR is neither mandatory nor binding on either party. However, it can be an effective tool to try and resolve issues in an amicable environment and manner. If all concerns can be satisfactorily resolved this may eliminate the need for a formal hearing. However, if there continue to be unresolved issues after further discussions with participants, typically those matters will be addressed at an AUC public hearing.

9

Early involvement in discussion with the applicant may lead to greater influence on project planning.

The public hearing process provides an opportunity for those who were unable to resolve their concerns with the applicant to express their views directly to a Commission panel. Those persons who the Commission has determined may be directly and adversely affected by the proposed application are entitled to participate in the hearing.

The Commission publishes a notice of hearing in newspapers distributed in the local area, in major Alberta daily newspapers and on the AUC website at www.auc.ab.ca. Copies of the notice are also mailed to the applicant and participants.

The notice of hearing sets out the deadlines for various steps in the process, including the process and timelines for filing written submissions and for preparing questions to be answered by the applicant or other participants.

An AUC public hearing operates similarly to a court proceeding and is a quasi-judicial process. The hearing is open to the general public.

Participants in a hearing can either represent themselves or be represented by legal counsel. In addition, participants may hire experts to assist in preparing and presenting evidence to support their position.

Persons who hire legal counsel or technical experts must be aware that while reimbursement for the costs of legal and technical assistance may be available, recovery of costs is subject to the Commission assessing the value of the contribution provided by counsel and technical experts. People with similar interests and positions are expected to work together to ensure that any expenditures on outside legal or technical assistance are efficiently spent and not duplicated.

Step 6: The public hearing process

10

Step 7: The decision

After hearing a needs application the Commission either approves the application, denies the application, or sends the application back to the applicant with suggestions for change.

After hearing a utility facilities application, the AUC has three options in reaching a decision: approve the application as applied for, approve it with conditions, or deny it. The AUC endeavors to release decisions within 90 days from the close of the record. Decisions are issued in the form of a public written decision report that summarizes the Commission’s findings and includes its final decision.

All Commission decision reports are available to any member of the public on the Commis-sion’s website (www.auc.ab.ca) or by calling the AUC’s Information Services. Please see the back cover of this pamphlet for contact information.

11

All Commission decision reports are available to any member of the public on the Commission’s website (www.auc.ab.ca) or by calling Information Services. See the back cover of this pamphlet for contact information.

Step 8: Right to appeal

A participant in a hearing who is dissatisfied with the decision of the Commission may request that the Commission review and vary its decision. Such a request must follow the pro-cedure set out in the Commission’s Rule 016: Review and Variance of Commission Decisions. A dissatisfied participant may also file a leave to appeal motion in the Court of Appeal of Alberta within 30 days from the date the decision is issued.

12

Step 9: Construction and operation

Any applicant that receives a licence or permit to build and operate a facility from the Commission must adhere to any conditions that were set out in the Commission’s decision. If you notice something during the construction or operational phases of a project that concerns you, bring this to the applicant’s attention. If you are not satisfied with the response you receive, please bring your concerns to the attention of the AUC Consumer Relations. See back cover of this pamphlet for contact information.

13

Useful resources:

- Rule 001: Rules of Practice

- Rule 007: Rules Respecting Applications for Power Plants, Substations,

Transmission Lines, and Industrial System Designations

- Rule 009: Rules on Local Intervener Costs

- Rule 020: Rules Respecting Gas Utility Pipelines

- About the AUC brochure

- AUC electronic filing services brochure

- Local intervener costs brochure

- Understanding gas utility pipeline regulation in Alberta

14

Notes:

15

Facilities DivisionPhone: 403-592-4403 and ask to speak to the Facilities Division

Consumer RelationsPhone: 780-427-4903, orEmail: consumer-relations@auc.ab.ca

Information ServicesPhone: 403-592-4500, orEmail: info@auc.ab.ca

Electronic Filing (E-Filing) ServicesPhone: 780-643-1055, or Email: systemservices@auc.ab.ca

Calgary - Head OfficeFifth Avenue Place East Fourth Floor, 425 First Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 3L8Phone: 403-592-8845*Fax: 403-592-4406

Edmonton Office HSBC Building Tenth Floor, 10055-106 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2Y2 Phone: 780-427-4901*Fax: 780-427-6970

AUC contact information: Other contacts:

Surface Rights Board(Land Compensation and Negotiation)Phone: 780-427-2444www.surfacerights.gov.ab.ca

Alberta Environment(Land Conservation and Reclamation)Phone: 780-427-2700www.environment.alberta.ca

Alberta Electric System Operator(AESO)Phone: 1-888-866-2959www.aeso.ca

Updated March 2012

*Dial 310-0000 prior to the 10 digit numbers for toll-free access anywhere in Alberta.

This brochure provides general information about public involvement in needs and utility facilities applications before the AUC. Specific participation opportunities and requirements may differ depending on the type of application.

www.auc.ab.ca