City receives approval to upgrade electrical transmission line

Medicine Hat – The City of Medicine Hat has received approval from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to construct and operate the East Ring Enhancement Project (Proceeding No. 29538).

The project will 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 regulatory process gave careful consideration to environmental information, public feedback, engineering limitations, and route selection best practices in reaching its decision,” said Christy Garland, Manager of Engineering Operations with the City’s Utility Distribution Systems department. “We’re pleased that our preferred route met their expectations and we’re looking forward to strengthening our electrical system for the future.”

The City of Medicine Hat began engaging with community members in October 2023 to discuss potential scenarios for the upgraded transmission line and submitted a Facility Application to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) for the East Ring Enhancement Project on October 15, 2024.

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. 

Construction is expected to begin in early 2027 and is slated for completion in 2029.

Full details of the project, including maps of the approved configuration, can be found on Shape Your City at www.medicinehat.ca/EastRing.

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