New Transmission Line from Edmonton to Fort McMurray Approved

New Transmission Line from Edmonton to Fort McMurray Approved

February 18, 2017

The Alberta Utilities Commission has approved a $1.6 billion transmission line project running from west of Edmonton to the Fort McMurray area.

The Alberta PowerLine project, a partnership between Alberta-based Canadian Utilities Limited (an ATCO company) and U.S.-based Quanta Capital Solutions, was needed so that more power could flow in and out of the Fort McMurray area. The project will increase the capacity of the existing system to meet a growing demand for power in this area, and bolster the overall reliability of the Alberta transmission network.

The project includes the construction of a 500 kilometre single-circuit transmission line, three optical repeater sites, and the expansion of the Livock substation. Specific components include:

  • a 500 kilovolt AC single circuit transmission line, running about 100 km from a new substation to be established in the Thickwood Hills west of Fort McMurray to an expanded substation in the Wabasca area
  • a 500-kV AC single circuit transmission line running, about 400 km from the expanded Livock substation to the existing Sunnybrook substation in the Wabamun area

Construction on crown land is expected to start immediately, while construction on private land is expected to start later this year. Energization is expected to take place in June 2019.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Declines in Ontario and Manitoba Construction Intentions Push Down the Non-Residential Sector

    Declines in Ontario and Manitoba Construction Intentions Push Down the Non-Residential Sector

    December 16, 2024 The total value of building permits issued in Canada decreased by $399.1 million (-3.1%) to $12.6 billion in October. This comes on the heels of a strong September, during which construction intentions rose by $1.3 billion to the second-highest level in the series. Despite the monthly decline in October, the total value of building permits… Read More…

  • Lighting Control Basics for Home Automation

    Lighting Control Basics for Home Automation

    By Matthew Biswas Do your eyes roll when you hear terms like Smart home technology?  Or are you a true believer?  As it turns out controlling electrical devices via low-voltage technology can be easier to implement and use than many of us thought. The Lutron Caseta system uses the internet and Radio Frequency to instantly… Read More…

  • Grounded in Ontario: The Future of Energy Storage Systems

    Grounded in Ontario: The Future of Energy Storage Systems

    December 16, 2024 Technical Advisor Trevor Tremblay explains why following best practices and relying on licensed professionals will ensure a smooth and secure transition when integrating this exciting new technology. Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are revolutionizing the way individuals and businesses manage energy, providing cost-saving opportunities, increased energy reliability, and a pathway toward sustainability. In… Read More…

  • 4 in 5 Canadians See Electrifying Public Transit as Key to Advancing Climate Action, Schneider Electric Survey Finds

    4 in 5 Canadians See Electrifying Public Transit as Key to Advancing Climate Action, Schneider Electric Survey Finds

    December 13, 2024 Schneider Electric has released new survey findings showing Canadians are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of traditional public transit emissions. According to the survey, 83 per cent of Canadians recognize the need for electrified transit to support a sustainable future and are seeking actionable and innovative solutions to ease the nation’s… Read More…


Changing Scene