The Montana Alberta Tie Ltd. ("MATL") is a privately funded or "Merchant" transmission line between Lethbridge, Alberta and Great Falls, Montana - the first direct power transmission inter-connection between Montana and Alberta. This new transmission line will be a 300 MW/230 kV AC line spanning 215 miles, with approximately 130 miles proposed to be constructed in the U.S. The line will be asynchronous interconnection and will enhance the overall system reliability of the electric systems in both Montana and Alberta. Intersystem coordination will provide a range of value-added benefits including:
- increasing the reliability and stability of the existing power grids
- enhancing inter-region import/export capabilities-provide access to wind resources in Montana
- providing more competition and options to the marketplace
- providing greater flexibility in scheduling generator maintenance
- facilitating the optimal allocation of generation resources
For more information see the official MATL website
