Overview

TransCanada started working on NorthernLights in 2000.  Initially, NorthernLights was a proposed US $2.2 billion, 500 kilovolt, 1550 kilometre (963 mile) high voltage direct current electric transmission line from central Alberta to a terminal in southern Alberta and interconnecting with the Pacific Northwest.  It was envisioned as a direct line that would support the cogeneration potential of Alberta's oil sands, exporting surplus power and creating an opportunity for bi-directional trade between Alberta and Oregon.

STATUS

In August 2009, Alberta Energy awarded the Critical Transmission Infrastructure contracts to other transmission facility owners.  Given Alberta Energy’s decision and current market conditions TransCanada has put NorthernLights on hold pending clarity on the provincial intertie strategy and market condition improvements (generation development, wind load balancing and load requirements).

TransCanada believes that the transmission system in Alberta is stretched and needs to be reinforced to be more robust. The development of new transmission lines allow the best energy generating projects to proceed.  Without new transmission lines, many viable forms of clean, economic electricity, like wind, hydro, biomass and co-generation are precluded.

TransCanada is continuing to work on revising the NorthernLights project but seeking clarity on the provincial intertie strategy and improved market conditions before proceeding further.

Contacts

If you would like more information on NorthernLights, please contact:

Project General Inquiries (toll free in U.S. and Canada)
1.866.604.1888

Project e-mail
northernlights@transcanada.com

Media inquiries
1.800.608.7859

Mailing address
TransCanada
450 1 Street SW
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2P 5H1
Attention: NorthernLights