ATCO Electric has applied to the Alberta Energy & Utilities Board (AEUB) for approval to build and operate a new 240-kV electric transmission line in northwest Alberta, following assignment by the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO).

The 235 km transmission line, which starts in the Wabasca area and ends in the Peace River region, is part of a larger development identified by the AESO for the Northwest Region. The project, including expansions to existing substations, is estimated to cost ATCO Electric $210 million with targeted completion by 2010. Other projects within the first phase include the construction of three other major transmission lines, the expansion or upgrade of associated substations and the construction of two new substations. ATCO Electric plans to begin construction in late 2007 once all necessary approvals and land easements have been received.

ATCO Electric began consulting with and seeking input from involved landowners and Aboriginal communities last summer and recently completed a series of meetings with interested parties along the preferred route prior to filing the AEUB application. ATCO Electric is committed to continuing to work closely with Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders throughout the project.

"We intend to use the same expertise we applied during construction of the Dover-Whitefish transmission line, which we completed on budget while building strong relationships with Aboriginal communities and other stakeholders," said ATCO Electric President Sett Policicchio. "This is a much needed project that will strengthen the transmission system for our customers in fast-growing northwest Alberta."

This is the first major transmission project for ATCO Electric since 2004, when the company completed the Dover-Whitefish transmission line. The company received the Edison Award, the electricity industry's most prestigious international award for its leadership and innovation in the construction of this line. Awarded by the Washington-based Edison Electric Institute, ATCO Electric was the first Canadian company to win the award.