The exterior of the new facility. Yard space extends behind and to the right of the building. (rdnewsNOW/Ashley Lavallee-Koenig)

By Ashley Lavallee-Koenig

LOCATED AT JUNCTION 42

EQUS holds grand opening of new operational facility in Red Deer County

Sep 11, 2024 | 3:15 PM

EQUS, a member-owned electricity provider for rural Albertans, has opened a new operational facility at Junction 42 in Red Deer County, a move that is expected to increase the efficiency with which it serves its central members.

“EQUS being here shows that great businesses are seeing that Junction 42 is a great place to be and we welcome them to be here,” commented Jim Wood, mayor of Red Deer County.

On September 11, EQUS invited members to a formal grand opening of its new facility, which began operating in early July. Sitting on four acres of land, the facility houses the central Alberta operations team and will act as a hub for its fleet and service yard.

Red Deer County Mayor Jim Wood is joined by EQUS officials and other dignitaries to cut the ribbon on the new facility. (Supplied/Dallas Hand)

“This new facility is a testament to our commitment to Alberta and our vision for the future,” said Andy Metzger, EQUS CEO. “By investing in this innovative space, we’re not only improving our operational efficiency but also creating a foundation for future growth and enhanced service delivery to our members.”

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Previously, the facility was located in Innisfail. The new location has increased yard space and its more modern features are expected to improve the company’s ability to maintain fleet and operational equipment more efficiently. As a result, EQUS expects response times to be reduced and service to become more reliable to 13,000 members in the area.

“Another big key for us was the ability to have our equipment inside and ready at any moment’s notice to be dispatched in emergency situations. And then again, the space – as we grow, we continue to need more warehouse, more inventory, and this property meets those needs very well,” said Metzger. He added that he believes there were no service disruptions experienced by members as they completed the move from the old facility.

The new structure features energy-efficient systems including a 30 kW roof-top solar array and 13.5 kW battery storage system.

The advanced technology and improved working conditions are expected to support about 40 employees with the capability to expand and add more in the future, as needed.

Metzger added, “We have a facility now that is fit for purpose to support our members in their times of need, and we see this building, this operation centre, being here for the next 50 years, and have the ability to serve that membership for many years to come.”

EQUS is a member-owned utility that provides electricity to rural Albertans from Barrhead down to the United States Border.

Metzger said that more than 75 years ago, rural Albertans weren’t being served by investor-owned utilities and took it upon themselves to form a co-operative company and put up poles and wires themselves to power their area. Over the years, this coverage expanded and more co-operatives popped up, which eventually joined forces to become EQUS.

The company also partners with Red Deer County and other municipalities to provide broadband internet to underserved rural areas, mayor Wood added.

EQUS members lunch at the grand opening of the new facility, inside the warehouse portion of the building. (rdnewsNOW/Ashley Lavallee-Koenig)

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