SaskPower says it is planning a new overhead 230 kV transmission line project to upgrade its electricity system in Saskatchewan. The proposed 50 km line will originate at the utility's Wolverine Switching Station. Part of the line will be double-circuited, with one circuit dedicated to accommodating BHP Billiton's request for service to its new potash mine near Jansen. The second circuit will be available to accommodate future growth and development in the area.
"This section of our network is showing wear and tear and needs to be upgraded to meet the growing need for power in east-central Saskatchewan," says Robert Watson, president and CEO of SaskPower.
To reduce impact to the area, SaskPower is planning to build part of the new line along an existing power line corridor. A portion of old line will be removed and salvaged in conjunction with the new line construction project.
SaskPower says it has contacted all affected landowners along the proposed power line routes and consulted with municipal and provincial officials, including local rural municipalities.
All power projects are subject to review by the Ministry of Environment. If approved, the project is expected to be in service by December 2014.
