Red Deer Mayor Welcomes Smart Metering Technology to ‘Improve Reliability’ of Energy Grid

The mayor of Red Deer is lauding a $10 million investment from the federal government into the region’s energy grid.

The move is part of the administration’s “National Strategy for an Electrified Canadian Economy.”

Canada is growing and modernizing electricity grids to ensure that Albertans can access affordable, reliable electricity for years to come, according to a statement.

This includes nearly $10 million through Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program for the region of Red Deer.

“This nearly $10-million investment from Natural Resources Canada’s Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program will help Red Deer modernize its electricity system and better serve our residents and businesses,” remarked Red Deer Mayor Cindy Jefferies.

This funding will allow the city of Red Deer to replace outdated technology and more efficiently use energy, according to federal minister of energy Tim Hodgson.

“By investing in modern electricity grids, we are strengthening reliability to deliver electricity efficiently and affordably to Canadians for decades to come,” commented Hodgson. “Canada is building the infrastructure we need for a prosperous, affordable, secure future.”

The upgrade features the deployment of over 45,000 smart meters to help Red Deer detect power outages faster and enhance overall grid reliability and efficiency, noted 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,” the mayor believes. “We’re grateful to the Government of Canada for partnering with us on this important project.”

“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,” affirmed Shafqat Ali, President of the Treasury Board.

The Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways Program is a $4.5-billion program designed to reduce emissions and enable a more reliable electricity grid system by supporting the deployment of modernization and energy storage across Canada.