Local people: Jerry Holyoak, Construction Planner, Central Alberta

May 27, 2026, 16:54 PM

For more than 35 years, Jerry Holyoak has been helping connect Alberta communities to reliable electricity distribution service. As a Construction Planner on FortisAlberta’s Red Deer regional design team, he brings decades of hands-on experience, industry knowledge and a strong commitment to customer service.

A key part of Jerry’s role is meeting customers on site to understand their power needs and develop a plan to get them connected to FortisAlberta’s electricity distribution system. He walks customers through the process and ensures they’re receiving the best possible service to meet their needs.

“When both FortisAlberta and customers understand timelines and requirements, projects can move forward more efficiently and with fewer surprises,” says Jerry. “Though if we hit any bumps along the way, we’re always prepared to troubleshoot.”  

This face-to-face approach reflects FortisAlberta’s commitment to the communities we call home. We want to ensure our customers are not only working with some of the most knowledgeable planners in the industry, but also locals who understand the electricity needs of those in the area.

Jerry has worked on a wide range of projects through his 35 years with FortisAlberta, from underground infrastructure in urban areas to small rural connections in remote locations. This variety requires not only technical expertise, but also adaptability, problem-solving skills and a drive to navigate different environments and customer needs.

“I’ve been lucky to have a lot of cool experiences and a lot of different types of work here at FortisAlberta. Quite a few of my teammates have been here a pretty long time, even decades. My friends and family say that must mean it’s a pretty great place to work. I’d say so too.”

Jerry has also seen significant changes in the electricity distribution industry over the years. Advances in technology, communication and more focus on customer education have helped streamline processes.

Safety is another area where Jerry’s experience really shows. Whether it’s identifying potential risks on a job site or taking proactive steps to reduce wildfire hazards, he emphasizes awareness and preparation in everything he does. From simple precautions like avoiding parking in tall grass, to maintaining a strong safety mindset, these efforts help protect both the public and FortisAlberta crews.

Through it all, Jerry remains focused on delivering safe, reliable service while building strong relationships with customers. His experience, dedication and local perspective continue to play an important role in keeping Alberta communities connected.

“One of the more rewarding parts of the job is helping customers understand what it takes to connect to the grid. From the moment a light switch is flipped, there’s a complex system working behind the scenes,” says Jerry.

Interested in working with any of our regional design teams to connect a new service or make changes to an existing one? Click here.