Framework for the

Transmission Lines
Standard
Rev. 0

Draft
April 24, 2007

Name Signature Date

Prepared:

Approved:

VP Acceptance

APEGGA Permit to Practice P-08200

 Transmission Lines Standard - Draft

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................1

1.1 Purpose ..............................................................................................................................1

1.2 Application .........................................................................................................................1

1.3 Definitions ..........................................................................................................................1

1.4 Modifications .....................................................................................................................2

1.5 Requirement for Review ...................................................................................................2

1.6 Document Change History ...............................................................................................3

2.0 OVERVIEW ................................................................................................3

2.1 Background........................................................................................................................3

2.2 Scope of Standard.............................................................................................................3

3.0 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS ....................................................................3

3.1 Code Requirements...........................................................................................................3

3.2 WECC / NERC ....................................................................................................................4

3.3 Operating Policies and Procedures.................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

4.0 STRUCTURAL DESIGN ............................................................................4

4.1 Design Loading Conditions..............................................................................................4
4.1.1 Weather Loads ................................................................................4
4.1.2 Failure Containment Loads .............................................................5
4.1.3 Construction and maintenance Loads .............................................6

4.2 Conductor Selection .........................................................................................................6

4.3 Sequence of Failure ..........................................................................................................6

4.4 Overhead Shieldwires .......................................................................................................6

4.5 Aeolian Vibration Control .................................................................................................7

5.0 ELECTRICAL DESIGN ..............................................................................7

5.1 Clearances .........................................................................................................................7

5.2 Insulation............................................................................................................................8

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5.3 Thermal Ratings ................................................................................................................8

5.4 Galloping ............................................................................................................................8

5.5 Radio Interference .............................................................................................................8

5.6 Electric and Magnetic Field Levels..................................................................................9

5.7 Other Requirements ..........................................................................................................9

LIST OF TABLES

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1.0 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This document presents the minimum technical requirements for the design of
a Transmission Line connecting to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System
(AIES).
The intent of these technical requirements is to:
a) Assist the AESO and Participants in the AIES in applying basic criteria
for transmission facilities.
b) Ensure the safe, reliable and economic operation of the AIES and the
Alberta energy market.
1.2 Application (This section follows standard wording per other
Interconnection Standard documents)
This standard applies to all transmission line facilities that will be directly
connected to the AIES. It will be applied on a go forward basis, that is the
standard shall not be used as justification to retrofit or change existing
systems presently applied to the AIES that are not compliant with this
standard. The AESO reserves the right, on a case-by-case basis, to endorse
retrofitting existing non compliant transmission facilities with this standard for
those facilities the AESO deems critical to the AIES.
The requirements of this standard apply to all new transmission lines and
extensions, taps or additions to existing transmission lines where the circuit
length of the new construction is 300 m or more.
The design of modifications to existing transmission lines; or extensions, taps
or additions to existing transmission lines where the circuit length of the new
construction is less than 300 m; shall meet the requirements used for the
design of the existing line and shall meet the requirements of the current
edition of the Alberta Electrical and Communication Utility Code (ECUC).
This standard supersedes the technical requirements of the Technical
Requirements for Connecting to the Alberta Interconnected Electric System
(IES) Transmission System – Part 3: Technical Requirements for Connecting
Transmission Facilities, Issued December 1999.

1.3 Definitions
The following capitalized terms when used in the Standard have the following
meanings:
“Generating Facility Owner” or “GFO” means in respect of a “generating unit”
as defined in the EUA, the “owner” as defined in the EUA;
“Market Participant” means “Any person that supplies, generates, transmits,
distributes, trades, exchanges, purchases or sells electricity, electric energy,

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electricity services or ancillary services.” As defined in the Electric Utilities

Act 1 ;
“Transmission Facility Owner” or “TFO” means in respect of a “transmission
facility” as defined in the EUA, the “owner” as defined in the EUA;
“Wire Owner” or “WO” - Has the meaning as that provided in the Electric
Utilities Act for “owner” and “electric distribution system”. Wire owners
maintain the responsibilities as that provided in the Electric Utilities Act and
the Roles, Relationships and Responsibilities Regulation. As defined by the
ISO Rules;
“ECUC” means Alberta Electrical and Communication Utility Code;
“CSA C22.3 No. 1” means Canadian Standards Association Standard C22.3
No. 1-01 Overhead Systems;
“REA” means Rural Electrification Administration (U.S. Department of
Agriculture) Bulletin 1724E-200 Design Manual for High Voltage Transmission
Lines;
“ASCE” means American Society of Civil Engineers Manual 74 – Guidelines
for Electrical Transmission Line Structural Loading (1991).

1.4 Modifications (This section follows standard wording per other

Interconnection Standard documents)
AESO may be required to revise this standard from time to time in order to,
among other things, remain compliant with NERC and WECC requirements
as those requirements change from time to time.
In respect to modifying this standard the AESO will:
a) seek and consider the input and feedback of any affected parties prior to
making changes or additions to the standard;
b) make and manage all changes to this standard;
c) make this standard publicly available via the AESO website.
1.5 Requirement for Review (This section follows standard wording per other
Interconnection Standard documents)
This standard expires and must be reviewed within five (5) years of the
effective date shown on the cover page and given below. This standard shall
stay in force during the review period, but shall automatically cease to have
force twelve (12) months after the five (5) year expiry date.
The effective date of this standard is xx, 2006.

1
Electric Utilities Act, 2003, Part 1, Section 1

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1.6 Document Change History

VERSION DISCRIPTION DATE
Internal Review Nov 1, 2006
Rev C
Internal Review Jan. 3, 2006
Rev B1
Internal Review Dec 4, 2005
Rev A

2.0 Overview
2.1 Background
The following points will be elaborated in the final version.
- Problems with inconsistency of approach by TFO’s and others connecting to
the grid – leads to inconsistent reliability expectations for lines of the same
voltage.
- What has been done previously by the AESO – Technical Requirements for
Connecting to the IES Transmission System - Appendix B: Transmission Line
Design Criteria, AESO wind loading map.

2.2 Scope of Standard

The following points will be elaborated in the final version.
- Overview of Standard (this document) – key areas covered, what is not
covered.
- Use of probability based (return period) loads mandatory for wind loading and
optional for combined loads (ice & wind, wet snow & wind) depending on
availability of data. Return periods to reflect relative importance of lines.
- Probability based approach can be used for strength determination (as per
C22.3 No. 1) but is not mandatory.
- Overload factors (OLF) for deterministic approach to strength to be provided
in Standard (likely based on C22.3 No. 1 – 01).

3.0 General Requirements

3.1 Code Requirements

All work undertaken by the TFO must be designed, constructed, and operated
to meet all applicable standards, guidelines, codes and regulations governing
such installations including but not limited to those listed below:
Alberta Electrical and Communication Utility Code (AECUC) – 2002

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Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Overhead Systems Standard (C22.3

No. 1 – 01)
Federal Government regulations on radio interference (Industry Canada
ICES-004 Spectrum Management and Telecommunications Policy
Interference-Causing Equipment Standard Alternating Current High Voltage
Power Systems).
Federal Government requirements for obstruction marking (crossing of bodies
of water, structures in vicinity of airports).
Other requirements of Federal, Provincial Codes, Regulations, etc and
requirements of EUB P&L.
3.2 WECC / NERC
The AESO is obligated to follow both the NERC and WECC reliability criteria
for planning and operating the AIES and its interconnections. NERC requires
that each regional reliability council conform with the NERC Reliability
Standards. WECC has included the NERC Reliability Standards as the
foundation for the NERC/WECC Planning Standards. AESO’s Transmission
Reliability Criteria - Part I, II, and III - System Planning document provides
further detail on specific Alberta requirements.
In addition, AESO has committed all participants in the AIES to meet WECC’s
Reliability Management System requirements. This shall include meeting
both the reliability criteria and data collection requirements.
There may be some additional WECC/NERC requirements for line crossings
(500 kV over 500 kV or 500 kV over 240 kV).

4.0 Structural Design

4.1 Design Loading Conditions

It is the AESO’s intention to further develop and refine the following points.
The AESO would greatly appreciate any feedback regarding TFO’s existing
practices and the cost implications (both up and down) and change in
reliability levels (both up and down) that the following points will create.

4.1.1 Weather Loads

Wind
- Wind loads to be based on return period analysis of historical weather data.
- For all 69 kV lines – 40 year return wind gust.
- For all 138 kV lines and single circuit 240 kV lines – 50 year return wind
gust.

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- For double circuit 240 kV lines – 75 year return wind gust.

- For 500 kV lines – 100 year return wind gust.
- Lattice towers to be designed for high wind (moderate tornado - level– F2,
with wind gust not exceeding 157 mph) on towers only.
- Wind data from AESO Wind Map (existing map to be updated – new values
likely lower than existing requirements).
- Wind pressure to be adjusted for height of wires and structure (as per ASCE
or CSA C22.3 No. 1-01).
- OLF = 1.0 for steel structures, higher for wood.
Ice/ Wet Snow & Wind
- Ice & wind loads (deterministic) as per Code (heavy and medium loading
areas, with OLF as indicated in C22.3 No. 1).
- Ice & wet snow loads combined with wind – return period values as for wind
(where data is available). Wet snow likely not applicable in North (extent of
wet snow to be defined).
- Combined loading maps (return period based) to be provided by AESO.
- OLF =1.0 for steel structures (return period loads), higher for wood.

Vertical Load Alone

- Return period (or deterministic) rime or in-cloud ice load; applicable to all
parts of province (value may depend on location). Limited data available at
present. AESO may be able to provide loading map.

4.1.2 Failure Containment Loads

- Purpose – limit extent of failure beyond location of initial failure (avoid
longitudinal cascades).
- Options:
a) all suspension type structures have longitudinal strength, or
b) use of anti-cascade towers at specified intervals.
- Criteria for Option a):
- Suspension type towers – one broken phase (complete) or one broken
O/H under everyday tensions. Allow for insulator swing & structure
deflection.
- Suspension type towers – unbalanced ice/ wet snow on one phase or
O/H. Loading criteria to be defined.
- May define longitudinal loading requirements for strain equipped towers

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- OLF typically 1.0

4.1.3 Construction and maintenance Loads

- Include structure assembly and erection operations, conductor stringing,
deadending, clipping in.
- OLF = 2.0 (steel and wood).
- Wording similar to that in Technical Requirements for Connecting
Transmission Facilities - Appendix B may be applicable (with a few
adjustments).
- Requirements for live line maintenance will be identified in Functional
Specification, for individual projects.

4.2 Conductor Selection

The following points will be expanded to provide clear expectations regarding
conductor selection. If existing practices differ please provide feedback.
- Preference will be given to industry standard sizes (spares readily available).
Types - ACSR, AAC; round or trapezoidal stranding. Other sizes and types
will be considered for specific situations or applications.
- For extensions of existing radial lines, or short taps of existing lines, existing
conductor size should be a consideration.
- Strength adequate for maximum design loads (without exceeding
approximately 85% RTS under most extreme short term load).
- 60% RTS limit for combined loads from Code.
- For 240 kV and 500 kV – conductor selection shall be based on line
optimization studies & system compatibility (load flow, load sharing, etc.).

4.3 Sequence of Failure

- Lines to be designed with target sequence of failure (information from
Appendix B, which is from IEC).
- May not be appropriate for some situations – foundations on angle structures
– manage those situations with appropriate choice of OLFs.

4.4 Overhead Shieldwires

The intention of the following points is ensure adequate reliability. Please advise
if existing design practices differ.
- 69 kV – case by case review
- 138 kV – minimum of one.

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- 240 kV and 500 kV – two.

- Size to meet fault current (magnitude and duration).
- Steel structure lines – minimum size 3/8” Gr. 220 (avoid failure under heavy
loadings).

4.5 Aeolian Vibration Control

- Required on all conductors and overhead shieldwires.
- Spacer dampers (not spacers only) on bundle conductor lines.
- Tension limits on wire meet industry standard practices for vibration control.

5.0 Electrical Design

It is the AESO’s intention to further develop and refine the following points.
The AESO would greatly appreciate any feedback regarding TFO’s existing
practices and the cost implications (both up and down) and change in
reliability levels (both up and down) that the following points will create.

5.1 Clearances
- As per ECUC (including requirements in C22.3 No. 1 not covered specifically
by ECUC).
- Buffer recommended for clearances above ground (minimum values may be
suggested).
- R/W width determined by full span conductor swing – max value for:
a) high wind (with 60 Hz clearance), or
b) medium wind (with switching surge clearance).
- Clearances to structure – insulator swing - high wind, medium wind, low
temperature (use REA criteria, possibly with some adjustments).
- Clearances for high load corridors and other special cases, as required.
- Ground clearance for 100C or max load sag (whichever governs) + buffer (69
kV, 138 kV and 240 kV).
- For 500 kV, ground clearance for max load sag, or temperature for ultimate
specified load transfer. May not be necessary to meet clearance criteria for
extreme wet snow and wind loads for all portions of the line.
- Clearances between existing transmission circuits and new distribution
underbuild circuits, where both circuits are located on common structures, as
per ECUC.

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5.2 Insulation
- As required to meet reliability targets.
- Insulators to be of design and from manufacturers with proven track records.
- Insulators to meet CSA Insulator Standards (ceramic and synthetic).
- Use of synthetic (silicone rubber) insulators or other special designs to be
considered in areas prone to contamination.
- Number of insulator units or detailed criteria likely not specified.
- Will be similar to what is planned for Stations Standard and may include
requirement for insulation coordination between lines and stations (in
particular for 240 kV and 500 kV).

5.3 Thermal Ratings

Thermal Ratings are presently being reviewed by an independent working group
with representation from the TFO’s and the AESO. The methodology shall be
per IEEE 738 and the selection of appropriate parameters (temp, wind,
emissivity, etc) is still underway. For further details please contact Dan Shield at
539-2502.
- Real time (dynamic) rating methods will be considered by the AESO.

5.4 Galloping
- Lines above 69 kV to be designed for galloping (as per REA design method).
- Requirement applies to lines in areas subject to galloping (approximately
south of Red Deer) and in other areas with history of galloping problems.
AESO may provide map of major galloping zones.
- Existing wording from Appendix B may be applicable.

5.5 Radio Interference

- Lines to be designed so conductors or hardware will not operate in positive
corona under normal operating conditions.
- Lines to meet Federal Government Regulation on radio interference limits.
(Industry Canada ICES-004 Spectrum Management and Telecommunications
Policy, Interference-Causing Equipment Standard, Alternating Current High
Voltage Power Systems).

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5.6 Electric and Magnetic Field Levels

- This standard will likely not specify limits in terms of specific values.
- May say new lines are to have electric and magnetic field levels not greater
than existing lines of same voltage and similar design.
- May also refer to “generally accepted industry standards.”

5.7 Other Requirements

- In order to ensure “maintainability” of lines, there may be a requirement for
maintenance access to each structure.
- Design Criteria of lines to be documented in accordance with IEEE Standard
on this subject (currently in preparation).
- Steel components of hardware to have low temperature impact properties as
per CSA C83 Communication and Power Line Hardware. Minimum
requirement for energy absorption is Level 1 (20 joules at –20C).
- Phase transposition requirements as indicated in Functional Specification, for
individual projects.

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