FortisAlberta Inc. has announced that its 25,000-V distribution lines have been energized from the new Bassano substation, boosting Alberta's electric system capacity by an additional 25 MW.

"The completion of this project will allow us to meet increased customer demand for electricity and improve reliability to our residential, farm and oil and gas customers in the Bassano area," said Philip Hughes, president and CEO of FortisAlberta.

The addition of these lines connects the new Bassano substation owned by the transmission service provider, AltaLink, to FortisAlberta's distribution system in the area. The project also involved extensive customer and stakeholder consultation, including working with local residents, farm and oil and gas customers in a collaborative effort to facilitate the commissioning of these new facilities.

"By working in cooperation with AltaLink, the Alberta Electric System Operator and various other key stakeholders, FortisAlberta was able to complete the Bassano area distribution lines for the benefit of all customers in the area while maintaining a focus on enhancing system reliability in Alberta's thriving economy," said Hughes. "FortisAlberta acknowledges and appreciates the patience and cooperation of our customers during the construction of these facilities."