114 years of proven industry leadership
For generations TransAlta has been serving our customers, first in Alberta and today across Canada, the United States and Western Australia. With over a century of experience, TransAlta is a trusted partner offering technology-agnostic, tailored solutions that continue to evolve to match our customers’ needs.
1909-1919
Calgary Power Company, Ltd. creates the foundation for an investor-owned utility in Alberta. Its first project is the Horseshoe Falls hydro plant on the Bow River west of Calgary, Alberta, completed in 1911. Hyrdo-electric power begins flowing to Calgarians.
In 1913, another hydro project is completed at Kananaskis Falls, and in 1915, Calgary Power begins supplying customers in the nearby town of Cochrane— a move that foreshadows rapid expansion in Southern Alberta in the 1920s.
1920-1929
Transmission systems are are extended into southern Alberta as far as the city of Lethbridge, and franchises are signed with fifteen other Alberta towns.
In 1929, the Ghost hydro project is completed, adding enough new capacity to the system to allow the company to begin sending electricity north to the city of Edmonton.
1930-1939
In 1930, the transmission system is extended as far north as Edmonton; roughly 300 kilometres.
Calgary Power begins the demonstration and implementation of a wide variety of modern conveniences, including the installation of over four hundred electric motors in grain elevators and a touring “Modern-All-Electric-Kitchen” — staffed by home economists and featuring a suite of modern electrical appliances.
In the late 1930’s the scouting of new hydro sites in the Rocky Mountains begins, setting the stage for even further expansion in the 1940s.
1940-1949
Calgary Power purchases the Cascade power plant from Canada’s federal government and upgrades the facility. It’s the first in a series of new developments during World War II and the boom that follows.
In quick succession, the Barrier hydro project on the Kananaskis River begins delivering electricity, Calgary Power Company moves its head office from Montreal to Calgary, and a new oil boom provides an opportunity to serve more than 1,600 oilfield customers.
In 1948, Farm Electric Service, Inc. is created, working cooperatively with farmers to link their Rural Electrification Associations into the power grid.
1950-1959
By 1950, Calgary Power employs more than 400 people across Alberta. In this year alone, six thousand new customers are added to the system, and power delivery begins to twenty-four additional towns and villages.
Five additional hydro projects come online, increasing Calgary Power’s share of Alberta’s hydro market to 99 percent. By this point, nearly all potential hydro sites have been developed, and the company chooses to invest in coal as the new fuel for its generating stations.
1956 marks the first time Calgary Power shares are offered for sale, first to employees, then to the general public.
1960-1969
In 1961, Calgary Power marks its first fifty years of operation.
Additional generation begins at the Big Bend hydroelectric plant on the Brazeau River, using water from a jointly constructed mutli-use dam in partnership with the Government of Alberta. A second unit is commissioned shortly thereafter.
By the end of the 1960s, Calgary Power’s customer base has increased by 30 percent.
1970-1979
The 1970s encapsulate a flurry of expansion, innovation, and investment opportunity. In the early 1970s, the first unit at the Sundance steam plant at Lake Wabamun, Alberta, begins generation, and the Bighorn dam is completed on the North Saskatchewan River.
At Sundance, a method of capturing byproducts of coal burning is introduced, removing 99.5 percent of fly ash from smoke stacks — an important environmentally-focused innovation.
Alberta’s booming economy introduces opportunities for all Albertans to benefit, and 1.3 million common shares in Calgary Power are purchased. Generation capacity continues to come online, and by the end of the 1970s, Calgary Power is generating 70 percent of all Alberta’s electricity.
1980-1989
Calgary Power continues to increase its generation capacity, increasing the number of customers it serves by a further 25 percent.
In 1981, the company changes its name to TransAlta Utilities Corporation to better reflect its province-wide operations.
In 1984 and 1985, the new Keephills generation plant comes online, and TransAlta’s central control facility is moved from Seebe on the Bow River to the System Control Centre at headquarters in downtown Calgary. By the end of the 1980’s, TransAlta produces 72 percent of the electricity in Alberta, with 94 percent coming from coal — making it the largest coal-mining company in Canada.
1990-1999
With an eye toward international expansion, TransAlta invests in facilities in Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. In 1993, TransAlta diversifies to take advantage of new markets and new fuel options, as well, building natural gas-fired cogeneration plants in Ottawa and Mississauga, Ontario.
The company also expands into energy marketing, marking an entry into the United States.
Sustainability becomes a greater focus, with TransAlta winning one of the first environmental awards from the Climate Change Voluntary Challenge Program in 1996, and publishing its first sustainability report in 1998.
2000-2009
The new millennium brings with it a sharper focus on renewables. In 2000, TransAlta purchases Vision Quest Windelectric, an Albertan utility that includes sixty-seven wind turbines generating 44 MW of total peak capacity. In 2009, TransAlta also purchases Canadian Hydro Developers and its wind and hydro-electric and biomass assets.
The 2000s also see TransAlta begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange.
2010-2019
Sustainability continues to be a key focus of TransAlta’s operations, through the acquisition of wind farms across Western Canada, Ontario, and the Maritimes. By 2011, TransAlta has built or added fifteen wind power facilities to its operations.
In 2013, TransAlta creates TransAlta Renewables, consisting of wind and hydro assets that were in operation across Canada. The company established the vehicle as a competitive source of equity capital, used to grow renewable business over the next decade.
2016 saw the mandated retirement of coal assets in Alberta; TransAlta begins work on converting coal assets to gas facilities.
2020-Present
In the early 2020s, it becomes clear that the strategies of both TransAlta and TransAlta Renewables had converged. Shareholders decide that it’s the right time to bring the two companies together to create a single clean electricity leader.
The combined company’s greater scale and enhanced positioning drives benefits through a single strategy that provides greater certainty and clarity to investors.
Our strategic priorities
TransAlta creates long-term value for investors by taking a balanced, prudent and disciplined approach in everything we do. Our six strategic priorities ensure clarity now and guidance for the future.
Questions? Read our FAQs or contact investor relations
Whether you’re looking to invest or already hold TransAlta shares, we strive to provide everything you need to make confident choices. We’ve collected answers to common questions, specifically for investors. And if you can’t find what you need, it’s easy to reach our Investor Relations team.
