EDMONTON - The Alberta government says it is putting two mega power-line projects on hold - not three, as initially announced Friday morning.
"We will be reversing our request to the AUC (Alberta Utilities Commission) to delay the releasing of the decision with respect to the Heartland," Premier Alison Redford said on Friday afternoon.
Redford says she still wants two major power lines to southern Alberta to be reviewed.
But she says it was never her intent to stop work on the proposed Heartland Transmission Line, which would run from east of Edmonton all the way to Fort McMurray,and provide more power to the sprawling refinery area northeast of Edmonton.
The AUC halted public consultation work on the three lines after receiving a letter from Energy Minister Ted Morton.
Redford blames the mistake on -- quote -- "miscommunication" as her new cabinet gets up to speed.
The mayor of Strathcona County, Linda Osinchuk, was happy when the original announcement was made, admitting it gave her faith in provincial elected officials, who she thought had listened to concerned residents. Her faith was lost, though, when she heard about the change.
"If it's going to reverse itself, now that would be terrible for future elections, I would think, for this particular party, for this brand new premier, for this brand new caucus," she said.
Osinchuk wanted the delay so a needs assessment could be done - one that was never done because of Bill 50, which determined the Heartland was critical.
Wildrose Party Leader, Danielle Smith, would like to see the bill repealed.
Critics have said the power lines may not be needed and they suggest the government is using new rules to develop electricity that can be sold for profit.
With files from Vassy Kapelos, Global News
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