Medicine Hat Southwest Substation (MHSS)

Share Medicine Hat Southwest Substation (MHSS) on Facebook Share Medicine Hat Southwest Substation (MHSS) on Twitter Share Medicine Hat Southwest Substation (MHSS) on Linkedin Email Medicine Hat Southwest Substation (MHSS) link


What is the Project:

The City is proposing a new substation to accommodate the growth and increasing electrical needs in the southwest area of the city and the city’s electric service territory.

Why do we need this project:

The project is needed to address the increasing demand for electricity and to support the development of important community infrastructure, such as housing, schools, recreation facilities, and commercial establishments, which would otherwise be limited without enhancements to the electrical system in the south.

How can you get involved?

Reach out to the project team

Complete the MHSS Stage One Survey (closed March 18, 2024)

Sign-up to receive project notices by email

If you are an owner or occupant on lands identified as potentially suitable for hosting a substation or lands adjacent to one of the areas identified as potentially suitable, or believe you may be impacted by the Project, the MHSS team would like to speak with you.

If you have not yet received information about the Project by mail or in-person please call 1-888-285-6181 or email SWSubstation@maskwaenv.com.


What is the Project:

The City is proposing a new substation to accommodate the growth and increasing electrical needs in the southwest area of the city and the city’s electric service territory.

Why do we need this project:

The project is needed to address the increasing demand for electricity and to support the development of important community infrastructure, such as housing, schools, recreation facilities, and commercial establishments, which would otherwise be limited without enhancements to the electrical system in the south.

How can you get involved?

Reach out to the project team

Complete the MHSS Stage One Survey (closed March 18, 2024)

Sign-up to receive project notices by email

If you are an owner or occupant on lands identified as potentially suitable for hosting a substation or lands adjacent to one of the areas identified as potentially suitable, or believe you may be impacted by the Project, the MHSS team would like to speak with you.

If you have not yet received information about the Project by mail or in-person please call 1-888-285-6181 or email SWSubstation@maskwaenv.com.

  • Stage 1: Determining possible locations

    Share Stage 1: Determining possible locations on Facebook Share Stage 1: Determining possible locations on Twitter Share Stage 1: Determining possible locations on Linkedin Email Stage 1: Determining possible locations link

    When determining suitable substation locations, many factors are considered. For the Project, a site selection criterion was developed based on the requirements outlined in Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Rule 007: Applications for Power Plants, Substations, Transmission Lines, Industrial System Designations, Hydro Developments and Gas Utility Pipelines (2022). To find suitable areas of interest, and in consideration of the siting criteria, desktop mapping, and siting analysis considered the following factors:

    Factor (Constraint) Example
    Agricultural impacts
    		 Field operations and impacts to existing or future irrigation or development
    Environmental impacts Clearing of habitat or vegetation removal, disturbance of wetlands, proximity or disturbance of wildlife features or environmentally sensitive areas
    Residential impacts Proximity to residences, future development constraints, tree cover, or access restrictions
    Technical requirements Proximity to existing and future customer load growth, engineering, reliability, proximity to existing infrastructure, avoiding conflicts with the Airport Instrument Landing System
    Cost Construction, land acquisition, potential impact to rate payers
    Visual impacts Residential views
    Special Considerations Historical resource sites, Crown land, proximity to campground, etc.


    March 26, 2024: In response to common siting questions and comments received throughout Stage 1 engagement activities, additional information regarding the initial site identification criteria considered for the MHSS project has been added under Project Materials.

  • Stage 1: Potential Substation Locations

    Share Stage 1: Potential Substation Locations on Facebook Share Stage 1: Potential Substation Locations on Twitter Share Stage 1: Potential Substation Locations on Linkedin Email Stage 1: Potential Substation Locations link

  • Project Updates

    Share Project Updates on Facebook Share Project Updates on Twitter Share Project Updates on Linkedin Email Project Updates link

    Additional material has been added to the MHSS Project website:

    • A copy of the presentation delivered at landowner workshops held in March 2024 is now under Project Materials
    • Response to two action items / follow up requests shared at Workshop #2 is here. At the request of participants, this response provides a more detailed description of the initial site identification process.
    • Stage 1 Survey results (coming soon!)
Page last updated: 26 Mar 2024, 05:20 PM