AltaLink Receives Funding to Support Transmission Line Capacity Project

CALGARY, Alberta--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AltaLink has been selected to receive more than $1.8 million in funding from the Government of Alberta through the Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) Industrial Transformation Challenge for the Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) Project. This investment will offset a portion of the project cost, supporting affordable transmission for Albertans. The project aims to address transmission system capacity by using technology to calculate transmission line ratings in real-time.

“We’re proud to have been selected by the ERA and the Government of Alberta to support this important work,” said Gary Hart, President and Chief Executive Officer of AltaLink. “Through this project, we are using technology and weather data to increase capacity on the transmission system in real time, maximizing the value of existing infrastructure and helping to defer the need for new transmission lines.”

The DLR Project involves integrating real-time rating calculations with AltaLink’s control system and installing hardware and weather stations along approximately 113 kilometres of transmission line in southern Alberta to perform measurements. The system will identify real-time line ratings and capacity through sensors that measure localized weather conditions. With real-time weather data, the DLR system will allow for detailed modeling and allow for increased capacity when permitted by weather conditions.

“This project will strengthen the electricity system Albertans rely on every day and keep electricity costs affordable. Using the industry-funded TIER program to support practical innovation helps ensure Alberta’s power system continues to meet the needs of a growing province for years to come,” said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas.

AltaLink anticipates beginning the implementation of this technology in 2026. AltaLink will work with the Alberta Electric System Operator on further evaluation and direction to determine the possibility for additional DLR applications across the transmission system.

About AltaLink

Headquartered in Calgary, with offices in Edmonton, Red Deer and Lethbridge, AltaLink is Alberta’s largest electricity transmission provider, with more than 13,400 kilometres of transmission lines and approximately 310 substations. AltaLink is partnering with its customers to provide innovative solutions to meet the province’s demand for safe, reliable and affordable energy.