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Transmission line routing process

Transmission lines are sets of wires, called conductors, that carry electric power from station to station. Distribution lines then deliver that power to customers.

We use a process that is based on an internationally recognized methodology to select preferred transmission line routes. This process has been used on more than 200 transmission projects in North America and we used it first for the St. Vital Transmission Complex in 2013.

This process incorporates data gathering, fieldwork, and technical and environmental considerations. We also collect input from landowners, Indigenous communities, interested parties, the public, and project specialists in various fields. These perspectives help to minimize the overall impact of the project.

Route selection timelines depend on the project. They are closely associated with engagement and environmental assessment.

How we select a preferred route

There are a few stages in the transmission line routing process. These 5 stages outline how an area with many possible routes will lead to a final preferred route:

  1. Determine a route planning area
    A lens shape shows possible planning area between points A and B.
    • We choose the start and end points and develop a broad route-planning area based on opportunities and constraints on the landscape.
  2. Plan alternative routes
    Solid lines are drawn between start and end points show possible routes.
    • We draw segments connecting the start and end points within the route-planning area. These segments form alternative routes that we present during the engagement process. Project specialists who represent different perspectives including agriculture, heritage, and engineering also provide feedback.
  3. Develop mitigative segments
    Dash lines are added beside the solid lines that show alternative routes.
    • We add or modify route segments based on feedback during the engagement process and from project specialists. A mitigative segment is an addition that is made to part of the route based on feedback.
  4. Determine a preferred route
    A solid line shows the preferred route between start and end points.
    • A comparative evaluation of alternative routes is done to choose a preferred route that is presented during the engagement process. Our project specialists focus their evaluations on this area to better understand potential effects of the preferred route on people and the environment.
  5. Finalize the preferred route and submit an environmental assessment report
    A dash line shows changes along the final preferred route between the start and end points.
    • After our preferred route presentation, we consider potential changes based on feedback from the engagement process and project specialists. After incorporating that feedback, we determine a final preferred route and present it to Manitoba Environment, Climate and Parks for review. The provincial regulator considers comments and questions from the public and Indigenous communities when they determine whether to issue an Environment Act Licence for the project.

These are general steps in transmission line routing. Some projects, based on their complexity, may need more or fewer steps to determine a final preferred route.

  • Moving between each stage (PDF, 75 KB)
    The decision-making process cycle: planning; feedback and analysis; comparative evaluation; and selection.

How we develop project criteria

Engagement process feedback helps to develop criteria that will be used to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of route options. These criteria represent the natural, the built, and engineering perspectives.

Examples of criteria:

  • natural environment: natural forest, wetlands, stream and river crossings;
  • engineering: project cost, existing transmission line crossings, length;
  • built environment: proximity to residences, land use and capability, historic resources, public use areas.

We then compare a subset of routes to select a preferred route. We take into account:

  • cost;
  • community considerations;
  • reliability;
  • risk to schedule;
  • built environment.

Mitigative segments

A mitigative segment is a part of the route that is added to the transmission line routing process based on feedback during the engagement process or from our project specialists. These segments are added to address concerns or a potential effect on the landscape.

We evaluate these segments for technical feasibility and cost. We also consider whether or not the segment will shift effect from one landowner to another. If our evaluations deem the new segments are reasonable, they are incorporated into the comparative evaluation of routes to determine a preferred route.

How we determine the final preferred route

We work with a range of environmental, socio-economic, and technical specialists. We work to balance concerns and feedback from the Indigenous communities, landowners, project specialists, interested parties, and the public. Our goal is to achieve consensus between the project team on the final preferred route. The route is considered final once approved by the regulator.

Contact us

For more information about the transmission line routing process: