AltaLink's Smart Grid Tech to Boost Power and Cut Costs for Albertans

CALGARY, AB – April 29, 2026 – Alberta's largest electricity transmission provider, AltaLink, is set to deploy advanced smart grid technology to squeeze more capacity out of its existing power lines, a move aimed at enhancing grid reliability and affordability for consumers. The company has secured over $1.8 million in funding from the Government of Alberta, channeled through Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), for its innovative Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) Project.

This initiative will use real-time weather data and sensors to dynamically calculate the maximum amount of electricity that can safely flow through transmission lines, potentially deferring the need for costly and time-consuming new infrastructure projects. The funding, sourced from the industry-supported TIER (Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction) fund, offsets a portion of the project's cost.

“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.”

A Smarter, More Efficient Grid

At the heart of the project is Dynamic Line Rating technology, a significant leap forward from the traditional method of operating power grids. For decades, utilities have relied on Static Line Ratings, which are fixed, conservative capacity limits based on worst-case weather scenarios, such as a hot, windless summer day. This approach ensures safety but often leaves a substantial amount of untapped capacity on the table.

DLR technology flips this paradigm by using real-world data. The project involves installing a network of advanced hardware and weather stations along a 113-kilometre stretch of transmission line in southern Alberta. These sensors will continuously measure localized conditions, particularly wind speed and ambient temperature, which are the primary factors determining a power line's thermal capacity. Wind acts as a natural coolant, allowing conductors to carry more electricity without overheating.

This data will be fed into AltaLink’s control system, where sophisticated algorithms will calculate the line's true, real-time capacity. Studies have shown that DLR can typically increase the capacity of existing lines by 15-30%, and in some cases by as much as 45%, unlocking a significant amount of power without laying a single new cable. This not only reduces grid congestion but also enhances the overall resilience of the electricity system.

Powering Alberta's Growth Amid Surging Demand

The timing of this initiative is critical. Alberta is experiencing a period of sustained and rapid growth in electricity demand, fueled by a strong economy, population growth, and the electrification of sectors like transportation and heating. The Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) has significantly revised its load growth projections upwards, with its 2024 Long-Term Outlook forecasting an average annual increase of 1.2% over the next two decades.

Even more pressing is the recent surge in connection requests from new, high-demand industries, particularly data centers powering artificial intelligence platforms. Recent AESO data revealed connection requests totaling over 16,000 megawatts—more than the province's entire current peak demand—placing unprecedented strain on the existing grid infrastructure.

In this context, DLR represents a crucial 'non-wires solution.' Instead of immediately resorting to building new transmission lines—a process that can take years and cost billions—this technology allows grid operators to optimize the assets they already have. By providing a more accurate picture of grid capacity, it allows for more efficient dispatch of power, ensuring the system can reliably support Alberta's economic expansion.

The Double Win of Affordability and Environment

The project promises a dual benefit for Albertans: bolstering energy affordability while contributing to environmental goals. The financial support from the TIER program underscores the project's alignment with the province's emissions reduction strategy.

“This project will strengthen the electricity system Albertans rely on every day and keep electricity costs affordable,” said Grant Hunter, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “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.”

By deferring or potentially avoiding the construction of new transmission infrastructure, the DLR project can generate significant cost savings that are ultimately passed on to ratepayers. Furthermore, it reduces the environmental footprint associated with major construction, which includes land use changes and habitat disruption. The technology also plays a key role in the energy transition by facilitating greater integration of intermittent renewable energy. The increased flexibility and capacity on the grid make it easier to accommodate power generated from wind and solar farms, which often produce the most energy when weather conditions are also ideal for DLR to unlock extra line capacity.

A Blueprint for the Future

AltaLink anticipates beginning the implementation of the technology in 2026. The initial 113-kilometre project will serve as a critical demonstration of DLR's effectiveness within the Albertan context. Looking ahead, AltaLink will work closely with the AESO to evaluate the project's performance and explore the potential for broader application of DLR technology across the province's vast transmission network.

As grid operators worldwide grapple with aging infrastructure, rising demand, and the challenge of integrating renewables, Alberta's investment in this proven smart grid technology could serve as a model for efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible grid modernization. The successful deployment could pave the way for DLR to become a standard tool in managing the province's power supply, ensuring a reliable and affordable energy future for all Albertans.