ATCO and AltaLink Complete Major Transmission Project to Boost Alberta's Energy Infrastructure

Executive Summary

• ATCO and AltaLink have successfully completed and energized the Central East Transfer-Out (CETO) project, a major transmission infrastructure initiative designed to enhance the reliability of Alberta's energy grid and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources.
• The project involved the construction of 135 kilometers of double-circuit 240-kilovolt transmission lines between Red Deer and Stettler, Alberta, along with significant upgrades to existing substations.
• The project was financed through a multimillion-dollar loan secured with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB), which is projected to save Albertans approximately $135 million over the 30-year financing period.

Key Details

• Project Scope: The CETO project consists of 135 km of double-circuit 240-kV transmission line connecting Red Deer and Stettler, Alberta.
• Substation Improvements:
  • AltaLink Scope: Located east of Red Deer, including approximately 50 km of new transmission line and the addition of new equipment at the existing Gaetz 87S substation.
  • ATCO Scope: Includes 85 km of transmission line and the expansion of the Tinchebray 972S substation.
• Financing: A multimillion-dollar loan was secured with the Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB).
• Cost Savings: The financing structure is expected to save Albertans approximately $135 million over the 30-year term of the loan.
• Strategic Impact: The project enhances the ability to move electricity from central east Alberta to other parts of the province, supporting grid reliability and the integration of new renewable generation sources as directed by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO).
• Stakeholders: The project was directed by the AESO, with construction executed by ATCO and AltaLink, and financing supported by the CIB.

Notable Quotes

• Jason Sharpe, Chief Operating Officer, ATCO Energy Systems: "CETO represents a step in the right direction for Alberta energy and economic growth. It's a testament to our commitment to advocating for the infrastructure that will support the future of Alberta and delivering critical infrastructure as demand grows... This project also reinforced the importance of partnership. From the beginning, ATCO and AltaLink worked in collaboration to get this project completed and in-service."
• Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank: "The partnership with AltaLink and ATCO demonstrates how the CIB's cost-effective financing can help deliver large-scale energy infrastructure. With a reinforced grid, Alberta can prepare for more projects in the future."
• Paul Lee, President, AltaLink: "The demand for reliable, affordable and sustainable electricity continues to grow in Alberta's expanding economy. The energization of CETO plays an important role in meeting that need... our teams have constructed a project which strengthens Alberta's grid while delivering value for Albertans."
• Rob Davidson, Vice President of Grid Reliability – Projects and Planning, AESO: "The energization of the CETO project marks an important milestone in strengthening Alberta's electricity system... By expanding transmission capacity in central and eastern Alberta, we are improving system reliability, enabling generation development, and building the infrastructure needed to support Alberta."