In an attempt to ensure new power lines are installed in Mountain View County as efficiently as possible with minimal impact, councillors are calling for a policy that does not support ‘twinning' of lines.Several councillors expressed displeasure during last week's policies and priorities meeting that they were in the middle of a dispute between two power service providers on how to upgrade a single-phase line in the Eagle Hill area to a three-phase line.Fortis has proposed running a three-phase power distribution line parallel to the Central Alberta Rural Electrification Association's single-phase line in the area because it would be more expensive to upgrade CAREA's line.Fortis asked for Mountain View County's support in the bid in February, and CAREA asked in March that they deny support.“They need to learn how to get along in the same sandbox,” said Div. 6 Coun. Paddy Munro last Wednesday.He wanted any reference to granting permission for power lines on both sides of a road stricken from a proposed new power line installation policy presented by administration at the meeting.Reeve Bruce Beattie agreed with him, saying companies should use the upgrading avenues already provided to them through existing line agreements rather than erecting more poles.“I don't want to leave the option open for them to have two lines. It seems illogical for them to do it,” said Beattie.Councillors requested a policy be created for staff and council to follow when municipal consent is sought on new line installations.The draft policy presented last Wednesday listed three principles which included establishing criteria for where new lines can be installed, ensuring installations are done as efficiently as possible with minimal impact on the surrounding community, and that if power lines are required on both sides of the road, council must grant permission.Munro said if there's a dispute, it should be taken up with the Alberta Utilities Board and not council.Administration was directed to rewrite the draft policy and ensure that it was in compliance with Alberta Utilities Commission rules.
