Montana Alberta Tie Line - North America's first international merchant transmission line

This paper describes some of the experiences in developing Montana Alberta Tie Line (MATL) one of the first merchant power line projects between Canada and United States. The MATL project was officially launched on February 2005 with the announcement of the first open season. It is expected to be in commercial operation by 2011. The MATL project consists of 345 km of 230kV AC transmission with power flows pre-scheduled and regulated by a 300 MW phase shifting transformer. The project connects Alberta's southern most 240kV grid near Lethbridge to Montana's 230kV grid near Great Falls. The rights to use the transmission line were fully subscribed by wind developers through 2 open season processes. The MATL project has received all necessary regulatory approvals and has secured necessary financing through the stimulus funding via WAPA. Construction is slated to start in 2010 with commercial operation expected in 2011.