2024 brings the implementation of two important process changes in Underground Residential Development (URD):
- Multi-family developments (with more than one single-phase source of supply) began using the Developer Choice Project Delivery Model;
- The Underground Residential Development Integrated Design Process (UIDP) began.
Multi-family Development
Starting in February 2024, multi-family development (with more than one single-phase source of supply) began using the Developer Choice Project Delivery Model.
This change is a direct result of feedback gathered from the development community and direction from the Alberta Utilities Commission to provide customers with increased choice and control in how electrical servicing is provided. This delivery model is supported by the Shallow Utilities Consortium.
“The Developer Choice Project Delivery Model enables developers to engage ENMAX Power approved design-build companies to design, procure materials and construct their project,” said Jesse Retzlaff, manager, URD & customer choice. “This provides developers with more control and choice in the execution of their projects.”
Design-build companies and multi-family developers with known upcoming projects have been contacted directly to discuss the change.
Please note:
- Multi-family developments with only one single-phase source of supply (e.g. infills, multiplexes) will continue to work directly with ENMAX Power for service.
- Row housing will continue to be serviced as a part of the current URD delivery model.
- Any multi-family projects that have been initiated within the current URD delivery model will continue through to completion with no change.
More information on the Developer Choice Project Delivery Model can be found here.
Underground Residential Development Integrated Design Process
A new Underground Residential Development Integrated Design Process (UIDP) started in January 2024. ENMAX Power is proud to be a member of the Shallow Utilities Consortium, which collaborated with industry and stakeholders to develop the new process.
This new process will bring efficiencies and expedite the delivery of gas, electricity, and telecom connection services to the development community with the following key changes:
- Formalization of a document package to lay-out the details of the project earlier, by including a mandatory Step 0 requirement;
- Additional requirements for project initiation that provides both baseline information and design direction;
- Implementation of a formal co-location meeting to draft Issue-For-Review (IFR) drawings; and,
- Establishment of individual project schedules.
“We consulted and collaborated with the development community, BILD Calgary, and The City of Calgary to develop this new process as a part of the Shallow Utilities Consortium,” said Retzlaff.
The working committee, made up of BILD Calgary, the Calgary development community, developer consultants, homebuilders, The City of Calgary and four utilities (ENMAX Power, TELUS, ROGERS, and ATCO Gas), was created in late 2022 and is committed to looking at ways to improve URD program delivery.
A series of workshops were held throughout 2023, resulting in the development of the UIDP. The working group concluded with the mandate for the Shallow Utilities Consortium to formally roll out the new UIDP process.
In preparation for the adoption of the UIDP, two learning sessions were conducted in January 2024. Materials from those sessions have been published on the 4-Party URD SharePoint site and should be referenced for more detail. Developers and their consultants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the materials.
Thank you to all involved in exploring, developing, and implementing these exciting improvements.
Should you have any specific questions about your current or future project, please contact Jesse Retzlaff, manager, URD & customer choice at 403-689-0106 or jretzlaff@enmax.com.
If you wish to contact the Shallow Utilities Consortium, please contact Joe Beetge at 403-561-6515 or 4PConsortium@enmax.com.
Questions? Ideas on what information you would like to see? Please contact partnerconnect@enmax.com