1Willow Lake Substation Telecommunication Tower

Willow Lake Substation Telecommunication Tower

Regulatory Process

ATCO Electric is seeking approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), Industry Canada and other agencies as required for the construction and operation of the proposed telecommunication tower.

For more information about how you can participate in the approval process required by the AUC, please refer to the enclosed brochure entitled Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities Applications.

A separate approval process is required by Industry Canada. To participate in this process please refer to page four. General information relating to antenna systems is provided on Industry Canada’s Spectrum Management and Telecommunications website (http://strategis.ic.gc.ca/antenna).

Why are you receiving this project information package?

We are advising neighbouring landholders, agencies and other interested parties about plans to construct the Willow Lake substation telecommunication tower located approximately 18 kilometers south of Fort McMurray (please see map to the left).

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 four for our contact information and details.

Included in this package:• Project information brochure• Reply form and postage paid envelope• Alberta Utilities Commission brochure

Public Involvement in Needs or Facilities Applications

April 2013

Project Need and Details

A new telecommunication tower is needed at the planned Willow Lake substation to support and enhance ATCO Electric’s radio and data communication regional network.

The project will include the construction of a new telecommunication tower and installation of related electrical and telecommunications equipment. The new tower and related equipment will be located on the planned Willow Lake substation site in the northeast quarter of Section 24-86-10 W4M and the southeast quarter of Section 25-86-10 W4M (see enclosed map).

The new tower will be a self-supporting steel lattice structure approximately 41 metres (m) high. The structure will support two VHF/ UHF antennas and one microwave dish for use by ATCO Electric.

2Willow Lake Substation Telecommunication Tower

Design Requirements

The new tower will meet Transport Canada aeronautical safety requirements and will be operated in compliance with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 for the protection of the general public and local radio environment.

Design and construction will meet applicable standards and will follow good engineering practices, including structural integrity.

Impacts

Nosignificantadverseenvironmentaleffectsareexpected.Neighbouring landholders may notice some increased trafficandnoiseduringconstruction.Anenvironmentalassessment under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act is not required for this project.

Typical Self-Supported Lattice Tower

3Willow Lake Substation Telecommunication Tower

Willow Lake Substation Telecommunication Tower Site Plan

4Willow Lake Substation Telecommunication Tower

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.

How to Submit Written Public Comments:

The closing date for submissions is May 6, 2013

Please provide a copy of your submission to ATCO Electric (address on the left) and the following organizations:

Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo 5015 - 49 Avenue St. Paul, AB T0A 3A4

Industry Canada Suite 400, 639 - 5 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2P 0M9 Email: spectrum.calgary@ic.gc.ca

Proposed Timeline*:

April 2013

Consultation with landholders and agencies

May 2013

Application to Industry Canada and the Alberta Utilities Commission for the necessary approvals

November 2013

If approval is granted, construction will commence

March 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:

Nate Cox, Project Planner

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

Phone: 780-508-4893 Fax: 780-420-5030 E-mail: consultation@atcoelectric.com Website: www.atcoelectric.com

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:

REPLY FORM

Date (DD/MM/YYYY):

WILLOW LAKE SUBSTATION TELECOMMUNICATION TOWER

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.

Please help us identify new contacts

Need for the Willow Lake 2009S Substation in the Fort McMurray Area

Transmission Development Information for Stakeholders

1214 Page 1 February 2013

ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO) has applied to the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) for system

access service to supply a new industrial load in the Fort McMurray area and is proposing to develop a

new 144/25 kV substation, to be called Willow Lake 2009S. The Willow Lake substation will be connected

to the transmission system using one new double-circuit 144 kV transmission line and one new single-

circuit 144 kV transmission line.

The AESO is processing ATCO’s request, including providing information to landowners, occupants,

residents and agencies in the Fort McMurray area that may be near the proposed transmission

development. The AESO intends to apply to the AUC for approval of this need in the summer of 2013.

The AESO’s needs identification document (NID) application will be available on the AESO’s website at

www.aeso.ca/transmission/8969.html at the time of its application to the AUC.

Who is the AESO?

Alberta’s transmission system, sometimes referred to as the Alberta Interconnected Electric System

(AIES), is planned and operated by the AESO. The transmission system comprises the high-voltage lines,

towers and equipment (generally 69 kV and above) that transmit electricity from generators to lower

voltage systems that distribute electricity to cities, towns, rural areas and large industrial customers.

The AESO’s role is to maintain safe, reliable and economic operation of the 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 qualified market

participants to the AIES. The AESO is regulated by the AUC and must apply to the AUC for approval of

its NID.

How is ATCO Electric Ltd. involved?

ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO) is the transmission facilities owner (TFO) in the Fort McMurray 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. The AESO has directed ATCO to provide information to stakeholders on this need

and to file a facility proposal application with the AUC which will include a detailed description and

location of the proposed transmission development.

Further Information

The 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 Fort McMurray area or the AESO’s application regarding this

need, please contact:

1214 Page 2 February 2013

Megan Harris AESO Stakeholder Relations

1-888-866-2959 stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca

2500, 330 – 5th

Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 0L4

The AESO is committed to protecting your personal privacy in accordance with Alberta's Personal Information

Protection Act. Any personal information collected by the AESO with regard to this project may be used to provide

you with further information about the project, may be disclosed to the Alberta Utilities Commission (and as a result,

may become public), and may also be disclosed to ATCO as the legal owner of transmission facilities in your area. If

you have any questions about how the AESO will use and disclose your personal information, please contact us at 1-

888-866-2959 or at stakeholder.relations@aeso.ca

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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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Notes:

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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