RETA plans big power line meet
Posted By Michael Di Massa News Staff
Posted 21 days ago
Another pro-underground power line meeting by Responsible Electricity Transmission for Albertans (RETA) has been scheduled for 7 p.m., Nov. 24 at Hall D in Northlands in Edmonton.
About 5,000 people are expected to attend the meeting, with RETA president Bruce Johnson encouraging the public to attend to show its solidarity in having a 500 kV transmission line from Wabamun to the Industrial Heartland installed underground.
"This is probably the last meeting that is going to happen before the routes are announced," he said. "This is kind of the last chance for people to cast their vote before the routes are announced. By 'their vote,' we mean, obviously, to inform our elected representatives that we want this thing to go underground."
According to RETA, there are 6,400 Albertans living along the four potential routes. The group would like to see the lines installed underground near schools, residential areas, day care centres, hospitals and environmentally sensitive areas.
According to a press release issued by RETA about the upcoming meeting, "Underground high voltage power lines are safer than above ground lines, are not a visual blight on the landscape, do not devalue neighbouring properties, are more reliable, have fewer environmental impacts, are significantly more efficient in terms of transmission losses, have lower maintenance costs, produce less of a carbon footprint, and do not cost more than above ground lines over the life of the line.
In fact, when taking into account reduced line losses and lower maintenance costs, underground power lines can be less expensive than above ground lines over the life of the line."
Currently, there are four potential routes for the power line, including two west of Edmonton and two east of Edmonton.
The two routes east of Edmonton being considered are through the utility transportation corridor along Highway 216 in Sherwood Park and another route just east of Ardrossan.
Unlike past meetings hosted by RETA, the upcoming meeting will not feature a question and answer session with electric industry representatives.
"At this stage, we are not anticipating a Q and A session with power industry individuals. The questions, they've been asked enough times now that I don't believe that it's going to be necessary to keep answering the same questions," Johnson said.
Instead of having industry representatives, plans are for guest experts on power lines to speak to the masses.
Magda Havas, an associate professor of Environmental and Resource Students at Trent University in Ontario, will discuss health effects of non-ionizing electromagnetic energy below 60 hertz.
Brian Gettel, an accredited appraiser, will also discuss the potential impact to property values should above-ground 500 kV power lines be installed.
Currently RETA has about 4,000 members with plans to begin another membership drive in the weeks leading up to the Nov. 24 meeting.
"This is their vote. This is where they get to come out and be seen and be counted so that our elected officials take us seriously," Johnson said. "To that end, we believe that they are taking us seriously."
So far, both Strathcona County and Edmonton city council have stated their opposition to above-ground power lines.
mdimassa@sherwoodparknews.com
