The province recently announced approval of the two new lines, which will transmit power in the corridor between the province's two principal cities, Calgary and Edmonton.
The move comes after a review by a government-appointed panel that was charged with looking into the need for the lines.
"Our decision to proceed with strengthening the backbone of the transmission grid will ensure we can power our economy for the foreseeable future," said Energy Minister Ted Morton, who painted the decision as one whose importance would be felt in the long term.
The province will also direct the Alberta Utilities Commission to examine ways to reduce the projected effects of the lines on consumer power bills.
Government figures suggest that the lines will add about $3 per month to typical residential bills, and $3.75 per megawatt hour for industrial consumers.
– Compiled by David Husdal
from Western Investor April 2012
