City of Calgary

The Calgary region is a major power customer that accounts for nearly 25 per cent of Alberta’s demand for electricity. The region currently depends on six transmission lines between Edmonton and Calgary to deliver much of the electricity required to meet customer needs.

City of Calgary transmission to be improved

The transmission system serving the city needs improvements to address:

Our transmission planners are conducting technical studies to determine what transmission system improvements are needed around north Calgary and in the city centre. We believe there is an opportunity to minimize transmission development impacts while keeping pace with the city’s demand for power. Options to explore could include expanding the existing TUC or creating a larger loop around the city.

South Calgary reinforcement studies move ahead

In February 2008, most of the southern part of Calgary experienced a momentary power outage. The severity of this power outage would have been lessened and likely eliminated if new transmission equipment that could carry more power had been in place. We are studying various options to strengthen the system that serves south Calgary to meet significantly increased power needs. This could include expanding the system so it can deliver more electricity to the region and provide improved reliability over the existing lower capacity system. These reinforcements would also provide flexibility to connect potential new generation projects proposed in the Calgary area and southern Alberta.

How much will this project cost?

Our estimate is about $550 million in 2008 dollars.

What are the next steps?

Public consultation on these proposed transmission system improvements began in late 2008. We expect a second phase of consultation to take place in spring 2009.

What can I do?

Calgarians and indeed all Albertans can help ease the strain on the electric system by reducing how much power they use or shifting it to times when power demand is lower. For example, running dishwashers and washers and dryers later in the evening reduces the demand for power during the 4 to 7 p.m. electricity ‘rush hour’ when most people get home from work and switch on lights and appliances as they prepare dinner.