Medicine Hat Southwest Substation application approved

Medicine Hat – On April 25, 2025, the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) approved the application for Medicine Hat Southwest Substation (otherwise known as MHS-11) under Proceeding No. 29734. The decision grants approval to construct and operate the substation in the southeast quarter of Section 15, Township 12, Range 6, west of the Fourth Meridian (SE 15-12-06W4) which was identified as the preferred site in the City’s application.

A map outlining the approved project components and the AUC decision document can be found on the project website at MedicineHat.ca/MHSS.

“We appreciate the AUC’s thorough and responsible oversight of Alberta’s electrical infrastructure. This decision provides the needed regulatory approvals for the City to construct and deliver a new south substation, which is necessary to accommodate electric load growth in that part of the City,” said Devon Hanson, the City's Manager of Electric Systems Planning and Compliance.

In 2019, the City of Medicine Hat began the process of site evaluation and related cost estimates for a new substation in the southwest area of Medicine Hat to meet growing electrical needs. An original application submitted June 1, 2022 was denied on June 12, 2023.

On Dec. 20, 2024, the City submitted a new application, again with a preferred and alternate site identified by assessing criteria including community feedback, environmental impacts, visual impacts, agricultural impacts, engineering considerations, and costs. 

“The team at Maskwa Environmental Consulting were integral in securing this approval thanks to their expertise in planning, public engagement, permitting, and environmental services for the energy sector. We also want to thank those who took the time to provide their feedback and participate in engagement events through 2024,” adds Hanson.

The approved site is located within the municipal boundary of Medicine Hat, has no agricultural impacts, and is proximal to Highway 3 resulting in low social and visual impacts.

Construction is slated to begin in the spring of 2026, though preliminary work will begin in the upcoming weeks. The anticipated in-service date is early 2027.

- 30 -

For media inquiries, please contact:
media@medicinehat.ca