The Critical Transmission Review Committee has found that two high voltage (500 kV) transmission lines are needed between Edmonton and Calgary as soon as possible.

The Committee met with Albertans to hear their concerns and has studied forecasts showing a need to immediately reinforce the transmission grid and says those forecasts are reasonable. It further recommends changes to relatively new legislation under the Electric Statutes Amendment Act that gives Cabinet the authority to designate any future projects as "critical," therefore approving the need. The Committee is recommending the authority to review the need for future transmission projects be returned to the Alberta Utilities Commission. It also found the cost impact of developing the two high voltage lines (planned by AltaLink and ATCO Electric) will be $3 per month for the average residential consumer and that fears the lines are being built to export power to the United States are unfounded.

The Committee Report is available here.