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Central East Transfer-Out Transmission Line

Sector
Clean Energy
Region
Alberta
Investment
$283.5 million
(Project complete)
Partner(s)
AltaLink, L.P (AltaLink) and ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO)
Public impact(s)
↓ ~534,000 tCO2e annually

Strengthening and enhancing energy reliability in Central Alberta

Partnership advances high-voltage power transmission lines needed to reinforce the province’s energy system.

Fast facts

130 km of new transmission lines enable more than 750 MW of electrical capacity
Relieves electrical congestion and enhances power resiliency
Future proofs Alberta’s transmission infrastructure

In partnership with Alberta electricity transmission companies – AltaLink, L.P (AltaLink) and ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO), we provided financing for the Central East Transfer-Out project located in the counties of Red Deer, Lacombe and Stettler.

Our $283.5 million loan supported the construction of 130 km of new transmission infrastructure. The high-voltage power line reinforces the transmission system and increases the amount of available power in central Alberta.

The transmission line was required to relieve power congestion in the area to unlock capacity for new renewable energy sources. This investment future proofs Alberta’s transmission grid, increases resiliency and enhances power reliability.

Benefits of the CIB’s involvement

The CIB’s flexible, below-market rate financing allowed AltaLink and ATCO to construct and operationalize new transmission infrastructure at a lower cost, which helped minimize financial impacts to ratepayers.

Learn more

Disclaimer: The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) in its sole and absolute discretion may choose to make available amendments, revisions, modifications, or replacements to this website. This page will remain open for further revision, modification, replacement or cancellation by the CIB at any time and in no event shall the CIB be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on the content of this website. Images courtesy of AltaLink. 

Four people stand together on a grassy field in front of two large utility bucket trucks. The trucks are branded “AltaLink,” and “ATCO” with “Terex” visible. Multiple tall electrical transmission towers and power lines extend into the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Long row of transmission towers and voltage lines along a paved road in a rural area.
Three high voltage transmission towers in green field.
Metal transmission poles in the foreground and horizon that follows a dirt road and green fields.
AltaLink

As the demand for electricity continues to grow in Alberta’s expanding economy, our goal remains to provide reliable and affordable electricity to our customers. With the support of the CIB, we are reducing the cost to our customers for this important electrical infrastructure, while strengthening the system and increasing access to renewable energy sources.

Gary Hart, President and Chief Executive Officer
ATCO Electric

The Central East Transfer-Out project will underpin Alberta’s growing economy by addressing future electricity availability and augmenting resiliency. Adding 750 MW to our grid will meet this increasing demand while helping to enable a modernized system that can more readily accommodate renewable generation projects. Importantly, the Canada Infrastructure Bank’s significant investment will also help maintain affordable rates for our customers by minimizing financing costs.

Melanie Bayley, President

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