About
equs.ca/
EQUS provides safe and reliable electric distribution services to commercial and industrial developments, oil and gas operations, telecommunication towers, production facilities and farms throughout 26 Alberta municipal districts and counties. Serving over 12,000 members, EQUS is the largest member-owned utility in Canada. As the electrical provider of choice in rural Alberta, EQUS provides comprehensive distribution services that include: - the delivery of safe and reliable electricity, 24 hours a day, seven days a week; - timely construction, maintenance and upgrades to power lines and facilities; and - a competitive investment program to mitigate start-up costs. We operate offices in Innisfail, Claresholm, Medicine Hat, and Onoway, with our Corporate Office located in Innisfail.
- Status
- Private Company
Company History
Back in the 1940s, when the big city utilities turned their backs on rural Alberta, deeming it too costly to electrify, our farmers did what they do best: they rolled up their sleeves and took matters into their own hands. They formed co-operatives known as Rural Electrification Associations (REAs), true grassroots movements turning the dream of rural power into reality.
These REAs were more than utilities; they were community efforts, with every member owning a piece of the infrastructure they collectively built. Led by boards elected from among their own, these co-ops kept their eyes on service, not profit, setting the standard for fair electricity rates, all while adapting and evolving over decades to meet the changing needs of rural Alberta.
In 2013, EQUS REA LTD. was born from the spirit of community and collaboration, merging two of the province’s largest REAs: Central Alberta REA and South Alta REA. This wasn’t just a merger; it was a union of communities, bringing together decades of history and hard work to form what is now Canada’s largest member-owned utility. EQUS stands as a testament to what rural Albertans can achieve together, offering unparalleled service to farms, families, and businesses, all while keeping our roots firmly planted in the rural soil. For over 75 years we’ve been working to keep your lights on, your costs down, and our communities strong.