Overhead to Underground Power Program

Overhead to Underground Power Program

The City launched the Overhead to Underground Power Program to encourage greater housing and an improved public realm at key locations in established areas. Funded by the Housing Accelerator Fund, this program helps offset the cost of relocating overhead power lines underground to facilitate housing. 

Program overview

Calgary is in a housing crisis — over 84,600 households can’t afford their current homes. In response, Council approved Calgary’s Housing Strategy that outlines how The City will act through planning, regulation, funding and infrastructure.

As part of its commitment, The City is upgrading infrastructure to support new housing by incentivizing the overhead-to-underground conversion of electrical systems.

This program is open to developers in the early planning stages of multi-residential projects in Calgary’s established areas. Before applying, review our sample application to understand the information you’ll need to provide.

Program objectives

The Overhead to Underground Power Program helps remove redevelopment barriers by burying overhead powerlines in areas planned for mid-to-high density housing. The program has the following goals: 

  • Maximize Housing

    Support efficient land development and increased density by offsetting powerline burial costs.

  • Test different approaches

    Try different utility burial methods to build a program that works city-wide.

  • Improve urban design

    Move utilities underground to support better planning and more attractive streets.

Project eligibility criteria

This program is designed to support development projects in the early planning stages so that utility burial can meaningfully influence project feasibility, improve site design and enable higher-density housing.

To apply for funding, projects must meet all the following conditions:

  • Be located within the Developed Area, as defined in the Municipal Development Plan. 
  • Proposes new multi-residential uses (as listed in Part 6, Part 7, Part 13 and Part 14 of the Land use Bylaw 1P2007), excluding hotels, and a built form of four or more storeys.
  • Can demonstrate that overhead powerline setbacks limit the site’s housing potential or create construction and maintenance challenges.
  • Has not proceeded to construction of an overhead-to-underground power conversion. 
  • Will have/have submitted a Development Permit by August 1, 2026.

Meeting the eligibility criteria is required but does not guarantee funding. Applications are evaluated based on how well they align with the program’s objectives.

Projects that demonstrate these conditions will be prioritized for funding:

  • Strong feasibility
  • Build on prior City investments
  • Are located in transit-oriented areas with growth momentum and supportive amenities.

In addition, non-market housing projects are of particular interest and may receive special consideration due to their community benefits and alignment with broader social and corporate objectives.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to engage with the program team early in the planning process. Early engagement allows for greater flexibility, strategic impact and a clearer understanding of how the program can support your project.

Resources

  • Contact us

    We recommend reaching out to us early in your project planning.

    Email us

Funding

What costs are covered?

The program helps cover the cost of moving overhead powerlines underground to increase developable land and simplify construction. 

Funding covers:

  • Civil construction for underground relocation of distribution-level infrastructure.
  • Scoping/design.
  • Pole removal.
  • Restoration work.
  • Permitting or coordination costs tied to burial.

Funding doesn't cover costs related to:

  • Site servicing.
  • Addressing conflicts with other infrastructure.
  • Power network extensions or regional transmission work.
  • Relocating telecommunications infrastructure (applicants’ responsibility).

How much funding can applicants receive?

The City uses a return-on-investment (ROI) model to decide how much funding your project can receive. In general, the more housing units your project delivers relative to its cost, the higher The City’s funding contribution will be — up to 80 per cent for projects with strong ROI.

Projects with more units tend to have shorter investment recovery periods and are eligible for more funding. Non-market housing projects are given special consideration and may receive additional funding outside of the standard ROI formula.

Think beyond your site: coordination bonus

You can increase your funding by considering and/or coordinating with nearby landowners or developers. If your burial project also unlocks future development potential on adjacent sites, the City may include those units in the ROI calculation —boosting your funding share.

To qualify for a coordination bonus, future development must:

  • Be adjacent or connected by the same power corridor.
  • Be supported by planning policy (e.g. zoning or Local Area Plans that allow four our more storeys).
  • Be visibly impacted by overhead powerline setbacks.
  • Be vacant, underused, or actively moving toward redevelopment.

Strategic coordination can make your project more cost-effective and unlock more funding. We encourage applicants to engage early with neighboring landowners to explore shared benefits and maximize impact.

Note: There are limits to the amount of cost coverage available, and we aim to partner with you in managing expenses. Once funding is exhausted, no further support can be provided until additional funding becomes available.

How to apply

This program is no longer accepting applications at this time.

This information has no legal status and cannot be used as an official interpretation of the various bylaws, codes and regulations currently in effect. The City of Calgary accepts no responsibility to persons relying solely on this information. Web pages are updated periodically. ​