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ENERGY: EUB cancels proposed 500 kV transmission line to restore public confidence
        (AlbertaIndex, October 1, Monday) --- The Alberta Energy and Utilities Board (EUB) has cancelled the proceeding and closed the applications to construct and operate a 500 kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line from Edmonton to Calgary. It made the move in an effort to restore public confidence following revelations that the board had engaged spies to check on the project’s opponents.

        The EUB said it intends to set aside Decision 2005-031, which approved the need for that transmission line, as well as the related Decision 2006-114. The hearing on the proposal to construct and operate the transmission line ran from March 12 to August 24, 2007 in Red Deer and Rimbey, and the hearing on the need for the transmission line was held from December 9 to 21, 2004 in Calgary.

“This EUB decision is the equivalent of granting a mistrial,” said EUB chairman William Tilleman, who was recently appointed to the post which had been vacant following the retirement of Neil McCrank in March.

“Albertans must be confident that this board acts fairly, responsibly and in the public interest. Mistakes have been made on this file, and I believe the only way to re-establish public confidence is to go back to square one on this process.”

When new applications are filed, a public hearing will be held and a new independent panel will be responsible for considering the matter.

“A new hearing is an opportunity to determine if a transmission line is needed and in the public interest,” said Tilleman.
Security requirements for any future hearing will be determined by the Alberta Solicitor General.

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