Rural Electrification Associations

At a special general meeting on Nov. 18, 2023, Tomahawk REA members voted 74 per cent in favour of the sale of their Rural Electrification Association (REA) to FortisAlberta. It is our pleasure to welcome the membership to FortisAlberta, once the Tomahawk REA sale process is complete July 9, 2024. Updates on the sale process and timelines can be found on the dedicated website: Tomahawk REA Sale - FortisAlberta. We thank the Tomahawk REA membership for entrusting us to be their future electricity distribution service provider.”

Partners yesterday, today and always. Throughout the development and continued evolution of Alberta's electricity delivery system, strong partnerships spanning all corners of the province have been integral to the delivery of safe, reliable power to Albertans. We're proud of our shared history with Alberta Rural Electrification Associations (REAs) and as we look toward a promising future, we know we aren't where we are today without our connection to the past.

In Alberta, Rural Electrification Associations (REAs) provide power for groups in rural communities who are members of a cooperative. Most REAs started in the 1940s as farmer-owned co-ops, though our history in establishing Alberta's electricity system stretches much further into the past.

More than 100 years ago, Calgary Power began delivering the first electricity produced at the Horseshoe Falls hydroelectric plant to consumers in and around Calgary.

Throughout the ‘20s and ‘30s, more generation was added, and our province’s electric distribution system grew as more customers were connected.

In the late ‘40s, consumers in rural areas connected to the grid in ever increasing numbers as the provincial government, public utilities and electricity co-operatives partnered to electrify farms, ranches and homes.

In the ‘50s, FortisAlberta’s predecessor, TransAlta (formerly Calgary Power), played a key role in the creation of the Farm Electric Service Ltd. or FESL, which quickly became a common and vital feature of life in rural communities.

Almost 20 years ago, FortisAlberta continued the legacy of Calgary Power and TransAlta, by assuming the operation of approximately 60 per cent of the province’s electric distribution system, serving customers throughout central and southern Alberta.

As a local company, staffed by Albertans from across our service area, we are proud to preserve the heritage that has been entrusted to us to provide safe, reliable and affordable electricity in one of the most majestic, and challenging, natural environments in the world.

We look forward to what the next 100 years will bring as we continue to work side by side with the communities we serve, and help Albertans power the future they deserve, together.

As you can see, we have a long history with REAs of delivering local service combined with a strong network of province-wide support. Today we service the following REAs: