ATCO secures key approval for Yellowhead Pipeline Project

Key Takeaways:

• Alberta Utilities Commission grants approval of the Need Assessment Application for the Yellowhead Pipeline Project
• Progressing this strategic energy infrastructure represents a key milestone in ATCO’s growth strategy across energy, housing and defence.
• The project is expected to create 2,000 direct jobs and supports an average of 12,000 jobs annually through related downstream investments. Once operational, the downstream investments are estimated to contribute $3.9 billion* annually to Alberta’s GDP.

The Whole Story:

ATCO Ltd. says its utilities subsidiary has cleared a major hurdle in advancing the proposed Yellowhead Pipeline Project in Alberta.

The company announced Monday that the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has approved Canadian Utilities Ltd.’s Need Assessment Application, the first of two major regulatory approvals required for the 230-kilometre natural gas pipeline.

The project would run from the Peers area to Fort Saskatchewan, delivering more than 1,200 terajoules — or about 1.1 billion cubic feet — of natural gas per day. ATCO says the expansion is intended to bolster Alberta’s transmission system and support future economic and population growth.

“This Alberta Utilities Commission decision affirms the strategic importance of the Yellowhead Pipeline in supporting Alberta’s long-term energy resilience,” said ATCO chair and CEO Nancy Southern in a statement.

Canadian Utilities plans to submit a separate facilities application later this year to seek AUC approval for construction and operation of the infrastructure. If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2026.

ATCO, which has about 21,000 employees worldwide and assets of $27 billion, operates across energy, housing, security and transportation sectors. Its Canadian Utilities subsidiary delivers electricity and natural gas transmission and distribution through ATCO Energy Systems.