Fort McMurray West Transmission Line Moves to Next Step

Calgary, Alberta (ots/PRNewswire) -

National and International Interest Shown in Project

The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is moving into the
next stage of selecting a successful proponent for the Fort McMurray
West 500 kV Transmission Project.

The project will be the first in Alberta to use the Competitive
Process, which is designed to maximize efficiency and provide
downward pressure on transmission costs to Alberta ratepayers.

The AESO is pleased with the interest shown in the project so far.
"We've had 30 organizations indicate they are interested in the next
phase of the process, the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) stage,
which officially launched today," says Elizabeth Moore, Director of
the Competitive Process. "It's been very gratifying to have companies
from across Alberta, all over Canada and around the world, express
interest in the project. It shows us that we are on the right track."

The RFQ stage will conclude in December 2013, when an
AESO-selected panel of experts will shortlist up to five bidders to
move to the Request for Proposals stage. The AESO expects that a
winning proponent will be named by the end of 2014.

"At the end of the day the proponent who can deliver the project
at the lowest cost, while ensuring high quality and meeting all
industry standards in construction, safety, and ongoing operations
maintenance, will be identified and awarded the opportunity to
develop, design, build, finance, own, operate and maintain this major
transmission facility," adds Moore.

The Fort McMurray West 500 kV Transmission Project is needed to
support continued oilsands growth, the key economic driver of
Alberta's economy. This reinforcement of Alberta's transmission
system will allow competitively priced power to reach consumers. It
will consist of approximately 500 kilometres of transmission line and
associated facilities between the Edmonton and Fort McMurray regions
and is expected to be in service by 2019.

A second competition for the Fort McMurray East 500 kV
Transmission Project is expected to commence in 2015/2016.

For more information about the Competitive Process, please refer
to the AESO's website: http://www.aeso.ca/cp

As an independent system operator, the AESO leads the safe,
reliable and economic planning and operation of Alberta's
interconnected power system. The AESO also facilitates Alberta's
fair, efficient and openly competitive wholesale electricity market,
which in 2012 had 170 participants and approximately $6.4 billion in
annual energy transactions.

For more information:

Matt Gray
Corporate Communication
Phone: +1-403-539-2507, Cell: +1-403-617-5529, Pager: +1-403-515-9450
Email: matt.gray@aeso.ca

ots Originaltext: Alberta Electric System Operator
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