EPCOR Utilities Inc. is a diversified utility company based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. It is wholly owned by the City of Edmonton and provides electricity, water, wastewater, and natural gas distribution and transmission services to customers in Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, and in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, United States.
History
EPCOR's roots trace back to the establishment of municipal utilities in Edmonton in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The City of Edmonton began operating its own electric light plant in 1891 and established a waterworks department shortly after. Over the decades, these services grew and evolved under various city departments and corporations.The modern EPCOR Utilities Inc. was formally established in 1996, bringing together the city's electric, water, and drainage utilities under a single corporate entity. This restructuring aimed to improve efficiency, enable strategic growth, and allow the company to operate more like a private enterprise while remaining municipally owned. Since its formation, EPCOR has expanded its operations significantly, particularly into the United States water utility market.
Operations and Services
EPCOR operates across several key business segments:- Water and Wastewater: EPCOR provides safe drinking water and effective wastewater treatment services to residential and commercial customers. This includes operating water treatment plants, distribution networks, wastewater collection systems, and treatment facilities. Its water operations are significant in Alberta and its growing presence in the United States, particularly through acquisitions in states like Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
- Electricity: In Alberta, EPCOR Distribution & Transmission Inc. owns and operates the electricity distribution and transmission systems within Edmonton and surrounding areas, delivering power from the provincial grid to homes and businesses. EPCOR also owns and operates power generation facilities.
- Natural Gas: EPCOR provides natural gas distribution services in various communities in Alberta.
The company focuses on reliability, environmental stewardship, and community engagement as core components of its service delivery.
Ownership
EPCOR Utilities Inc. is 100% owned by the City of Edmonton. As a municipal corporation, its profits are returned to the city, contributing to municipal services and reducing the tax burden on residents. This ownership structure provides a unique blend of commercial operating principles with public accountability and benefit.See Also
- City of Edmonton
External Links
- [https://www.epcor.com Official Website of EPCOR Utilities]