Subsidiary of Enmax Power Corporation Wins Contract to Build Transmission Substation

The purpose of this substation is to convert electricity from high voltage to a lower level for delivery to businesses and homes. As Transmission Administrator, ESBI Alberta is responsible for planning the transmission system. An aspect of this is the competitive procurement of new transmission facilities, for example, the building of transmission lines and substations. Competitive procurement of transmission facilities puts downward pressure on the costs, saving money for all Albertans who ultimately pay for the costs of transmission upgrades.

In July of this year, ESBI Alberta issued a Request for Proposal (RfP) for the design, construction, ownership, operation and maintenance of a transmission substation in Beddington. This substation is needed to support the Calpine generation project and the demand for electricity in the Calgary area.

"As Alberta's independent Transmission Administrator, we have the responsibility to seek cost-effective ways to maintain reliable electricity supply for Albertans, while ensuring an open competition for the procurement of transmission facilities," said Vincent Flynn, President and CEO, ESBI Alberta Ltd. "We received a number of proposals to build this new transmission facility through the RfP process. The ENMAX Power submission demonstrated cost-effectiveness and innovation that clearly made them the successful bidder."

"ENMAX Power is committed to meeting the needs of its customers," said Al Buchignani, vice-president and chief operating officer. "We're pleased to participate in this substation project and support efficiency improvements in Alberta's electricity transmission system."

ENMAX Power is required to obtain all necessary approvals for their projects and to execute a contract with the Transmission Administrator. The substation is expected to begin operation on July 1, 2002. Specific commercial details of the contract remain confidential. ESBI Alberta is scheduled to release four additional RfPs over the coming months to add to the transmission infrastructure in various parts of the province.

ENMAX Power is a wholly owned subsidiary of ENMAX Corporation. ENMAX, a wholly owned subsidiary of The City of Calgary, provides electricity and value-added services to about 400,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Alberta through its subsidiary companies.

ESBI Alberta Ltd. is responsible for the fair, open access of Alberta's interconnected electric system. ESBI Alberta Ltd. is part of an international organization, ESBI, with an established track record in the delivery of engineering, construction, investment, transmission management and industry restructuring in more than 80 countries.