Atco approved for new Alberta transmission line

CALGARY -- Energy company Atco Ltd. has won final approval from Alberta regulators to build a $95 million power transmission line between Edmonton and Fort McMurray.

The Calgary company said its Atco Electric unit received approval from the Alberta Energy & Utilities Board to build the 350-kilometre transmission line that will expand the power grid between the two Alberta cities.

The 240-kilovolt transmission line will be the third major line between the two cities and will increase transport capacity by about 250 megawatts — from about 350MW to 600MW.

The company said three substations are also included in this project to supply new plants being built in conjunction with expanding oilsands projects.

"Timelines are short, but we are well-prepared to complete this project quickly to enhance system reliability in the province and deliver electricity to areas within Alberta that are in need of more power," said Sett Policicchio, vice-president of ATCO Electric. "Work is already underway with project completion expected in the third quarter of 2004."

Atco Electric delivers power to customers in northern and east-central Alberta. The utility is part of the Atco group, which employs 6,000 people in the utility, power generation, logistics and energy services, technologies and industrial sectors.

Canadian Press