City submits application to upgrade electrical transmission line

Medicine Hat – Yesterday, the City of Medicine Hat submitted a Facility Application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for the East Ring Enhancement Project. The intent of the project is to upgrade 24 kilometres of 40-year-old electrical transmission line for a future increase in voltage from 69 kilovolts (kV) to 138 kV to support projected growth in commercial and residential electricity use in Medicine Hat’s service territory.

The project extends from Brier Park, through northwest and northeast Crescent Heights, Ranchlands and Parkview, to Veinerville and south through Cypress County, before wrapping back into the City through Southlands. 

Under AUC Rule 007, the AUC must approve applications to construct, operate, alter, and decommission electric and natural gas facilities to protect social, economic and environmental interests of Albertans.

The City of Medicine Hat began engaging with community members in October 2023 to discuss potential scenarios for the upgraded transmission line. Through community feedback, alignments have been slightly modified and measures identified to lower potential impacts of the project on residents. Preferred and alternate scenarios have been provided as part of the application in the northeast and southeast areas of the project. Review the final alignment submitted to the Alberta Utilities Commission.

Now that the application is filed, the regulatory review process is underway. Learn more about the review process for facility applications at https://www.auc.ab.ca/facility-application-review-process-steps/.

Full details of the project and engagement process can be found on Shape Your City at medicinehat.ca/EastRing.

The City of Medicine Hat expects a decision from the AUC in 2025. If approved, the project is slated for completion in 2029.

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