Ottawa grants Red Deer nearly $10 million for electricity meter upgrades

Ali was on hand on behalf of Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson.

Specifically, this funding will allow the city to replace outdated, costly and hard-to-repair technology and more efficiently use energy through the deployment of over 45,000 automated smart meters. It will also support the installation of the communications equipment needed to support the smart meter network.

The technology, known as Advanced Meter Infrastructure (AMI) 2.0 will help the City of Red Deer detect power outages faster, improve billing accuracy for families and businesses, enable real-time monitoring of the electricity system, and enhance overall grid reliability and efficiency.

Edmonton is still using AMI 1.0, while Calgary moved to AMI 2.0 close to a decade ago.

Mayor Cindy Jefferies and Minister Shafqat Ali, with one of the new AMI 2.0 meters in the background, plus City EL&P officials, Metering Foreperson Jarret Seim (left), Acting EL&P Superintendent Dalen Everson (second from left), and Project Manager Philip Nakwama (right). (Image Credit: rdnewsNOW/Josh Hall)

Half of all meters have already been replaced, with the project set to be finished in early 2027, the city also shared.

The city is contributing roughly $9.9 million, or half the total project cost, and equal to the federal commitment.

“This investment will help Red Deer modernize its electricity system and better serve our residents and businesses,” stated Mayor Cindy Jefferies.

“Advanced metering technology will improve reliability, support faster outage response, and give us the tools we need to build a more efficient and resilient utility for the future. We’re grateful to the Government of Canada for partnering with us on this important project.”

The city’s current infrastructure has been in place for around four decades.

“By investing in smart electricity meters in Red Deer, we are improving reliability, reducing outages and building the electricity system Canada needs to become an energy superpower,” remarked Minister Ali on Monday.

During the media availability, Ali was asked to comment on whether the funding is connected to Ottawa’s recent efforts to strengthen its relationship with Alberta, and perhaps even sway separatists ahead of a referendum this fall.

Prime Minister Carney himself was in Red Deer at the end of July to make a $510 million announcement for water and wastewater infrastructure. That followed a $20 million announcement the feds made in Innisfail in June toward the energy sector.

Ali described the moment Canadians and Albertans alike are facing as “pivotal.”

“We are building Canada strong for all. [We have seen] how the country is coming together, all levels of government, and how the ‘Team Canada’ approach is becoming a reality. I don’t think this [announcement] has anything to do with what’s happening in October,” he said.

“We are following [Prime Minister Carney’s] vision, fulfilling his agenda, which he told Canadians he was going to do when he became prime minister. We’re fulfilling the responsibilities to achieve those objectives for Canadians across the country.”

Ali’s ministry clarified that the funding announced today is available through grants to communities that are seeking to make upgrades.

If your meter hasn’t been transitioned as of yet, the city says it takes 10 minutes, tops, and results in a brief power outage.

The city is informing residents through notices on billboards. A contractor may knock on your door and will be easily identifiable as being with the city.

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by Josh Hall

Ottawa grants Red Deer nearly $10 million for electricity meter upgrades

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