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Central East Transfer-Out Transmission Line

Sector(s)
Clean Power
Location(s)
Alberta
Participation
$283.5 million (Financial Close)
Partner(s)
AltaLink L.P (AltaLink) and ATCO Electric Ltd. (ATCO)

Strengthening and enhancing energy reliability in Central Alberta

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

Fast facts

130 kilometers of new transmission lines to enable over 750 megawatts of electrical capacity
Helps to relieve 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 are providing financing for the Central East Transfer-Out project located in the counties of Red Deer, Lacombe and Stettler.

This $283.5 million loan will enable the construction of 130-kilometres of new transmission infrastructure. The high-voltage power line is needed to reinforce the transmission system to increase the amount of available power in central Alberta.

According to the Alberta Electricity System Operator, the transmission line is required to relieve power congestion in the area and unlock capacity for new renewable energy sources. This investment will future proof Alberta’s transmission grid, increasing resiliency and enhancing power reliability.

Benefits of CIB involvement

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

Learn more

High voltage transmission infrastructure in grassy field.
High voltage transmission infrastructure with a backdrop of clouds and rural landscape.
Sunset with transmission towers and power lines.
Ehren Cory CIB CEO + Altalink + Atco
Government of Alberta

This investment is yet another step towards ensuring Alberta’s electricity system is affordable, reliable, and sustainable for generations to come. Collaboration is necessary for our grid to be prepared to meet the province’s future needs. As Alberta’s government works towards modernizing our grid, support from industry and the CIB is essential to achieving these goals.

Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Affordability and Utilities
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