ATCO Electric Distribution Opens New Energy-Efficient Operations Centre

GRANDE PRAIRIE, ALBERTA--(Marketwired - Sept. 19, 2013) - ATCO Electric, Distribution Division, announced today the official opening of its new energy-efficient operations centre in Grande Prairie. The 176,576 sq. ft. facility is designed to enhance customer service and reduce both energy and water consumption by 30 per cent compared to commercial buildings of similar size and use.

"Investment in this new and expanded operations centre demonstrates ATCO's ongoing commitment to Grande Prairie, our customers and the environment," said Bobbi Lambright, President, ATCO Electric Distribution Division. "The new, energy-efficient facility will allow us to achieve greater levels of operational efficiency and customer service as we continue to grow with a community we've been part of for 85 years."

The new facility centralizes and streamlines ATCO Electric's Grande Prairie operations, with more than 220 employees from four separate locations now working together under one roof.

Added sustainable features include a high-performance heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system, solar hot water panels and double-glazed windows. The building's water fixtures are also designed with the environment in mind. Combined with the building's grey water recycling system and the rainwater collection system, they will reduce average water consumption by an estimated 30 per cent. The rain water captured on the roof will also be used for landscaping, irrigation and sanitary waste systems. Recycled materials from local sources are also being integrated into the facility wherever possible.

ATCO Electric provides safe, reliable delivery of electricity to nearly 216,000 customers in 245 communities across Alberta and is part of the ATCO Group of Companies. ATCO Group, with more than 9,400 employees and assets of approximately $15 billion, delivers service excellence and innovative business solutions worldwide with leading companies engaged in Structures & Logistics (manufacturing, logistics and noise abatement), Utilities (pipelines, natural gas and electricity transmission and distribution), Energy (power generation, natural gas gathering, processing, storage and liquids extraction) and Technologies (business systems solutions). More information can be found at www.atco.com.