Utilities
In terms of utility costs, Lethbridge businesses already know we are lower than most other communities. According to the Competitive Alternatives report by KPMG, Lethbridge is ranked in the top five for lowest cost public utilities.
The City of Lethbridge’s Utility Services department provides a stable infrastructure for residential, commercial and industrial uses. Rate estimates can be provided upon request.
As an important hub in Alberta’s electrical transmission network, Lethbridge offers one of the most stable electrical transmission, distribution and service facilities in Western Canada. We have one of the lowest distribution tariffs in Alberta. New transmission lines are planned that will allow for further development of renewable energy sources. Connections to the U.S. market through the Montana-Alberta Transmission Line (MATL) will further support and integrate the continental electrical grid.
Within the city, the City of Lethbridge builds, operates and maintains all transmission, distribution and service facilities to the point of delivery. The customer is responsible for all downstream electrical facilities and equipment.
In Alberta, customers have a choice of electricity supplier. This means that customers can purchase the Regulated Rate Option (RRO) from the City of Lethbridge or from an alternate supplier. The RRO offers residential and small business consumers (under 250,000 Kwh per year) the opportunity to receive electricity at a regulated rate. More information on how Alberta’s electric system works is available at from the office of Utilities Consumer Advocate at www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca.
Alberta’s history is built on the exploration and development of clean burning natural gas. An ample and stable supply with a deregulated market has kept gas prices lower. More information on Alberta’s natural gas system is available from the Utilities Consumer Advocate website at www.ucahelps.gov.ab.ca.
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Lethbridge is concerned about dealing with solid wastes. Non-hazardous waste can be hauled to the Lethbridge Regional Landfill, a licensed Class II landfill located approximately 10 kilometres from the industrial area, directly north on 43rd Street. Waste accepted by the Regional Landfill includes solid, semi-solid and contained fluid material.
Lethbridge has made great strides in encouraging recycling.
There are number of local contractors that deal with containerized collection services.
The City of Lethbridge enjoys the benefits of separate wastewater and stormwater systems. Storm water management is legislated in Alberta by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
Worry-free and uninterrupted telecommunications capability provides businesses in and around Lethbridge with access to the world. Major wired, wireless and satellite carriers allow for the free movement of data.
The City of Lethbridge owns and operates a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant. This plant provides full secondary treatment that exceeds Government of Alberta guidelines for downstream water quality. Wastewater effluent is also disinfected with ultraviolet light. The plant has the capacity to treat 49,000 cubic metres per day and currently treats approximately 14 million cubic metres per year.
- Residential rates are based on average water consumption during winter months
- Commercial rates are based on water consumption
- Industrial rates are based on wastewater characteristics and mass loading
View the City of Lethbridge Water and Wastewater bylaw (pdf).
Contact the City of Lethbridge Utilities department at 320-3111 or email Doug Kaupp at dkaupp@lethbridge.ca for more detailed information.
The City of Lethbridge has a modern water treatment plant and water distribution system with surface water allocations to meet City growth well into the future. The City of Lethbridge Water Treatment Plant has a capacity of 150 million litres per day. Currently, the peak daily water demand on the plant is about 80% of the design capacity. Lethbridge drinking water consistently exceeds Federal and Provincial regulatory requirements due to filter performance providing less than 0.1 NTU of turbidity, and the combination of ultraviolet and chloramines disinfection. Lethbridge uses a declining block structure for commercial charges.
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