AT THE CUTTING ENERGY
EDGE OF ENERGY
Within an industry landscape that increasingly favors renewable energy options, Rising Edge Group, a major contributor to green energy infrastructure across North emerges as a force to be reckoned with. President, Jason King, outlines his company’s burgeoning success
Writer: Lily Sawyer | Project Manager: Kieron Harvey
As the world’s energy sector continues to evolve, industry players face both challenges and opportunities in the widespread push towards green energy.
While undertaking significant work to implement effective, sustainable electrical infrastructure, utilities across North America are expected to maintain or even improve the reliability of power.
One such company that has become increasingly aware of its role in the green energy evolution is Rising Edge Group (Rising Edge), a high-voltage electrical contractor providing full-scale engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) solutions within the energy industry.
Founded in 2002, the business has been in operation for over 21 years, initially providing commissioning and testing services for major utility clients in Alberta, Canada such as ATCO Energy, AltaLink Management LP, EnMax, and more.
“As we developed, our toptier commissioning and testing services quickly confirmed our status as a competent, qualified, and knowledgeable contractor,” introduces President, Jason King.
This led to the company’s clients supporting its growth to include additional substation-related services like EPC.
Facilitated by its burgeoning success, Rising Edge expanded its service territory from the west coast of Canada to the east before beginning to serve locations in the US.
Having grown from only a small handful of employees to a 500-strong team of professionals, Rising Edge currently boasts locations across North America, including Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, St. John’s, Labrador City, Fredericton, Newport Beach, and Raleigh.
Providing unparalleled client services and solutions to assist in the fortification of high-voltage electrical infrastructure in North America, the
company is founded on the principles of client-centric solutions, exceptional customer service, and a robust safety culture.
“At Rising Edge, we continue to lead and grow our organizations with these principles at the forefront of every decision we make,” King proudly adds.
A COMPETITIVE EDGE
Rising Edge’s clientele today consists of large-scale utilities, renewable energy developers, oil and gas operators, and industrial customers. These include, but are not limited to, Southern California Edison (SCE), Berkshire Hathaway, AltaLink Management LP, Newfoundland and
Labrador Hydro (NL Hydro), RES, NextEra Energy, Suncor, Mosaic, and Iron Ore Company of Canada.
To effectively serve its clients, Rising Edge’s vast plethora of services includes EPC for highvoltage electrical assets, substations, and transmission and distribution networks. It also provides facility maintenance and turnarounds, panel fabrication, e-house manufacturing, and grid fortification.
“Our competitive edge is felt through the efficiency of our integrated processes and applications, which directly impact a project’s execution and lifecycle,” King prides.
Rising Edge recognizes that each
NORTH AMERICA OUTLOOK: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE A CAREER IN THE ENERGY AND UTILITIES INDUSTRY?
Jason King, President: “I am a mechanical engineer with over 20 years of experience in the utilities industry, having begun my career with a local utility on the east coast of Canada after graduating from university.
project must be accurately planned, scheduled, resourced, managed, tracked, and documented, which is critical for completion and meeting client standards and specifications.
“Ensuring we meet their contractual obligations by providing complete, on-time, and on-budget services is paramount,” he emphasizes.
Other competitive advantages that set the company apart include its integrated systems, robust safety and quality program, and consistent project management cycle.
“Our integrated systems give clients the ability to analyze and assess a project throughout its lifecycle by yielding real-time data outputs that accurately display the actual cost of a project in its initial stages, when under construction, and when forecast for completion,” King reveals.
This can be attributed to the integration of advanced software and programs that interact to provide an efficient flow of data.
“I spent the first 14 years of my career in client-facing roles, gaining a unique perspective of the industry and supporting local communities in the province
“This is where my passion grew – finding positive solutions for an ever-growing sector that required
“I joined Rising Edge’s Atlantic operations as Division Manager in 2018 to help develop the company’s footprint in Atlantic Canada and cement it as a coast-to-coast business.
“The reason I joined this field is down to it being a dynamic, fast-paced environment where no two
“I love the challenge of being part of the solution, adapting to the ever-increasing demands of our energy infrastructure, incorporating greener energy, and pushing towards an environmentally-friendly system that is reliable and
Safety is equally at the core of Rising Edge and entrenched in its culture, as evidenced by the organization’s exceptional, longestablished track record of safely delivering projects that comply with regulatory requirements and meet client expectations.
“This is managed through a robust quality program that houses a large library of procedures and best practices where all work is inspected and approved against our internal standards,” he details.
In addition, Rising Edge understands that every project is unique and presents different challenges; ensuring the project lifecycle is consistent, repeatable, and flexible is therefore crucial to its successful management.
As such, the company has developed a unique proprietary software application that standardizes project management for maximum efficiency.
“OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE IS FELT THROUGH THE EFFICIENCY OF OUR INTEGRATED PROCESSES AND APPLICATIONS, WHICH DIRECTLY IMPACT A PROJECT’S EXECUTION AND LIFECYCLE”
– JASON KING, PRESIDENT, RISING EDGE GROUP
A RENEWABLE REVOLUTION
As North America witnesses a considerable evolution in renewable energy, King notes the responsibilities that utilities and contractors have in effectively implementing green infrastructure.
“Renewable energy is rapidly changing everything, from the way we generate power to the way we operate the grid. As such, there is a lot of work to be done and I firmly believe that all players within the industry are up for the challenge.”
King outlines how the energy sector requires contractors to execute projects within wind, solar, and battery electrical storage systems (BESS) and connect new energy
solutions to the grid.
He also points out how additional contractors will be required to support anticipated grid upgrades, which will ensure it can handle new forms of energy.
“The responsibility is not just on the contractors – suppliers are also needed to manufacture critical equipment while utility companies must understand how to operate the grid with new inputs and upgraded systems,” he adds.
The list of parties that support the widespread implementation of renewable energy is endless, and the industry is therefore actively innovating and improving its products, services, and solutions in response.
However, despite the numerous benefits provided by renewables, they also present a degree of uncertainty due to the inability to control sources such as wind or solar power.
Additionally, given the geographic location of many renewable energy sources, extensive transmission lines will be required to transport energy, while back-up generation from combustion sources will be required to provide a consistent supply during periods of increased consumption.
To address this, and present solutions to overcome the potential barriers of widespread renewables usage, the global energy sector is developing new storage ideas, batteries, hydro pumps, and hydrogen capabilities.
“The rapid advancement of renewable energy technologies is driving innovation, economic growth, and creating new job opportunities,” King excites.
Telecommunications Solutions to Meet All Your Needs
Proudly offering a full range of telecommunications services to the utilities industry in Western Canada, primarily Alberta, Utilicom Technologies Ltd. is comprised of experienced and dedicated professionals ready to help you with your next project
With over 70 years of combined experience providing telecommunications (telecoms) solutions in the utilities industry, Utilicom Technologies Ltd. (Utilicom) is a premier go-to provider for all of your installation, commissioning, and maintenance needs.
Offering comprehensive infrastructure analysis and communications solutions that are tailored to meet or surpass your requirements, Utilicom proudly provides a vast range of telecoms services.
The company’s team of knowledgeable industry experts work in unison to provide diverse clients with the solutions they need, no matter how extensive or demanding.
This hard work, commitment to excellence, and customer service focus is what our customers have come to expect and why they choose to continue to work with us on their many projects.
Our ability to provide cost-effective, hassle-free solutions is due to the team’s fantastic attitude and our mission to provide the best quality installation and service possible.
Within Utilicom, we have offices in Calgary and Sherwood Park, allowing us to respond to our clients’ projects anywhere in the province of Alberta. Additionally, we have the capacity to engage in telecoms projects in British Columbia and Saskatchewan.
We pride ourselves on our extensive history of providing our clients with highquality, reliable, and innovative telecoms solutions, allowing them to be confident in the fact that they are in safe and trusted hands.
COMMUNICATIONS FOR THE UTILITY INDUSTRY
As a provider for the utility industry, we
“Our team is comprised of a knowledgeable group of individuals who work in unison to provide our clients the solution they require”
– Utilicom Technologies Ltd.
install, commission, and maintain all types of telecoms equipment.
Specifically, we offer a variety of different services, including project management, construction and installation, testing and commissioning, project supervision and acceptance, product procurement, service and maintenance contracts, network engineering, substation telecoms, voice networks, supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks, fiber optics, wireless access, microwave radio links, and DC systems.
Additionally, we are a licensed dealer for two-way Hytera DMR radios that combine a rich heritage with cutting-edge R&D, built to perform and last a lifetime. We also operate Utilinet, a wide-area IP-linked radio network Hytera XPT 3 frequency, six-channel system in Calgary and multiple sites in Southern Alberta.
“Our commitment to excellence and customer service focus is what our clients have come to expect and why they continue to work with us on their projects”
– Utilicom Technologies Ltd.
Utilinet radio coverage 2024
What do customers have to say
about Utilicom’s services?
“I must bring to your attention the exceptional quality of the telecoms equipment installation work recently completed by Utilicom at 138s Windy Flats and 266s Series Capacitor.
“The racks were originally wired by our R&S subcontractor and were, by my evaluation, acceptable and ready for installation.
Utilicom took the racked gear, added value in the way the R&S sub-cabling was adjusted on the racks, and went above acceptable standards for inter-rack cabling.
“I was honestly taken aback by the neatness and quality of the installation work at 266s Series Capacitor. I would highly recommend having the SNC telecoms engineers go to these sites and review the work, take photos, and inspect the attention to detail and workmanship that can be produced.
“I want to commend Utilicom for such high-quality work. Utilicom makes SNC-Lavalin look good.”
“As a project manager who has used Utilicom on many projects, I can say they offer a service that is at the top of what I’ve seen in the industry. They offer extensive experience and are able to solve complex problems when presented. They are dependable, flexible, and have been able to meet project deadlines even when facing tight timelines or schedule changes. They display a quality of work and professionalism, allowing me to rest assured that their project scope is getting done on time and right the first time.” Terry McCreadie, Rising Edge Group
“Spark Power has been using Utilicom as the sole service provider for the telecom scope execution of our utility projects.
“I had the opportunity to work with Utilicom and the team on multiple projects. The company has always provided excellent service and supported other functions while accommodating project constraints.
“Utilicom’s attention to detail, along with excellent documentation, really stands out in making our customers satisfied. I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for Utilicom’s great partnership and service in executing our utility project.” Ganga Ramaiah, Spark Power
“Utilicom Technologies is a top-notch company to collaborate with. Their commitment to excellence, innovative solutions, and professionalism make them a pleasure to work alongside. With Utilicom, you can expect timely communication, reliable support, and dedication to meeting your needs effectively. Their expertise in technology solutions ensures that projects are delivered with precision and efficiency, making them an ideal partner for any business endeavor. Not only do Utilicom technologies excel in quality and service, but they also offer competitive pricing. Their commitment to delivering value ensures that you get the most out of your investment. With Utilicom you can trust you’re receiving high quality solutions at a reasonable cost, making them an excellent choice for any project.”
With Utilicom’s vast experience base as a team, alongside our complementary skills, we are able to confidently and reliably provide the best solutions for clients.
The Utilicom team is comprised of hardworking and dedicated people who boast a wide variety of technical backgrounds and years of expertise within the industry. Having dealt with a wide range of equipment used by the utility sector, we have experience with radio communications, including microwave, fiber optics communications, and support
services such as DC power source units, remote monitoring, and alarming.
Additionally, Utilicom is capable of splicing, testing, and troubleshooting OPGW and AD fiber cables for utilities and private networks, including MPLS and DWDM. Recently, we have introduced the Mimomax Tornado family, consisting of the Tornado, Tornado X, and Tornado XR, which help enable connectivity to people and critical infrastructure. The Mimomax Ubiik products offer a wide area of Licensed and unlicensed private LTE networks.
Utilicom also offers Cambium Networks products in point-to-point and multipoint wireless products in all spectrums. These products provide rapid control and feedback for SCADA networks and meet the exacting standards required for critical voice backhaul, ultimately bringing peace of mind to mission-critical communications customers.
If you are looking for comprehensive infrastructure analysis and communications solutions tailored to exceed your needs, contact Utilicom today!
Brent Lauman, TC Infrastructure Ltd.
COMMUNICATIONS
As Rising Edge continues to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, it is not only playing a role in building a cleaner and more sustainable future but also ensuring the longterm viability and resilience of North America’s energy systems.
STAFF AT THE CENTER
Rising Edge’s motto is ‘our people are the business’.
With 500 active members and counting, each therefore plays an integral role in contributing to the company’s success.
“We don’t sell gadgets or goods; we sell our service, which places importance on the people at the core of our business,” King asserts.
The staff at Rising Edge are empowered by the knowledge that their work directly contributes to the success of the organization. Each team member cultivates a sense of personal responsibility to participate, solve problems, communicate, and always seek ways to improve.
“Our people have a clear direction for their roles and responsibilities, and we ensure they are provided with all the tools, knowledge, and support required to be successful.”
Furthermore, leaders at every level of the company are empowered to improve processes, innovate design, and continuously adapt to offer a better service.
“Our highly skilled and knowledgeable workforce provides the best high-voltage services in the industry,” he prides.
Led by management staff with direct field experience and deeprooted knowledge of Rising Edge’s internal practices and processes, the company collaboratively provides the highest quality workmanship.
Importantly, all Rising Edge personnel are trained, assessed, and certificated to conduct the tasks associated with their position.
“With over 20 years of industry knowledge and experience, we ensure
IN-HOUSE SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
As part of its corporate services offering, Rising Edge supports clients within its supply chain by procuring critical assets, from transformers and switchgears to medium-voltage collection cables and basic nuts and bolts.
Where required, the company’s procurement team strategizes, plans, and executes equipment and materials purchases to facilitate project execution schedules while meeting the specifications of every item purchased.
The benefits of having an in-house supplier management program include:
QUALITY CONTROL – Greater control over the quality of materials purchased enables Rising Edge to meet client and project requirements by establishing robust standards guided by industry best practices.
IMPROVED COMMUNICATION – Direct, uninterrupted, and easy communication channels between engineering, field, estimating, and project management teams allow for continuous improvements to be implemented on every project, which helps cultivate a solutions-based approach to reduce potential risks.
RISK MANAGEMENT – Better management of the risks associated with supply chains through proactive strategies, such as bulk ordering materials with long lead times, purchasing materials far ahead of project execution, and finding alternative suppliers.
COST SAVINGS – Rising Edge’s in-house procurement team means it can negotiate better pricing, terms, and conditions. This results in improved efficiencies and reduced overhead costs, which translates to more value-driven projects to provide clients with additional savings.
EMA Electromechanics is an MV and HV circuit breakers manufacturer based in the United States and Argentina. In the US, we manufacture in the US of the high-speed GROUNDING BREAKER, a patented technology created to mitigate ISLANDING OVERVOLTAGE in the MV collection circuits of renewable generation facilities. In wind, solar and BESS facilities, during a line-to-ground fault or a load rejection, the MV collection circuit may be islanded with one or more inverters connected in order to commit to the voltage ride-through (NERC PRC-024), creating undesired overvoltages. The Inverters’ islanding detection method (IDM) might misoperate, remaining connected for some cycles, putting cable insulation, cable splices and surge arresters at risk.
The high-speed grounding breaker provides the fastest and clearest shut down signal to all inverters at the same time, avoiding unnecessary ridethrough and undesired over voltages, being a reliable protection against TOVs and trapped charge in cables. EMA offers 38kV vacuum grounding breakers and conventional circuit breakers for outdoor applications up to 3,000 Amps.
that all personnel who continue to work with us gain experience, expertise, knowledge, and skills that are unattainable elsewhere in the marketplace,” King divulges.
To reward their hard work, the company recognizes staff contributions through various means, from personal recognition to a ‘Nectar points system’, career development opportunities, and end-of-year profitsharing bonuses, amongst others.
way it conducts its operations and executes projects.
“We firmly believe in making a positive impact on the communities and environments in which we operate,” King confirms.
For example, Rising Edge’s dedicated health and safety program ensures the well-being of employees, clients, and communities.
The company focuses on safety in all aspects of its operations and implements strong protocols
footprint and reducing its impact on the locations where it operates.
“We adhere to sustainable practices and take mitigation measures to prevent negative environmental impacts.”
Rising Edge’s corporate social responsibilities involve actively engaging with local communities, organizations, and events. The company ‘gives back’ by employing local residents, investing in colleges and universities, making charitable donations, and volunteering.
Its ethical practices include conducting each project with the highest standards and acting with integrity and accountability in every aspect.
From Concept to Completion
Establised in 1976, Bow Ridge Steel Fabrication is a family-owned and operated company, now proudly in its third generation. We are dedicated to understanding and fulfilling our clients’ needs throughout every project phase.
Bow Ridge Steel Fabrication has the versatility to take on projects of all scales, functioning as a fabricator, designer, engineer, project manager, or construction manager. Our group of companies provides comprehensive services and expertise, ensuring that we meet and exceed our clients’ requirements and expectations.
www.bowridgefab.ca
Our business ethos is grounded in three core principles: - Safety - Quality - Schedule
www.northamericaoutlookmag.com/work-with-us
“We adhere to all relevant laws and regulations while promoting diversity and inclusion throughout the business and maintaining open and honest communication with our stakeholders,” King explains.
PROJECTS AND BEYOND
A major part of its project portfolio, Rising Edge is currently executing three wind farms in Alberta which have the potential to be secured imminently.
The first site, a 136 megawatt (MW) facility that includes a total of 22 wind turbine generators, is located near Whitla.
“For this project, we are executing the EPC of a 138/34.5 kilovolt (kV) collector substation and 44 kilometers (km) of 34.5kV underground collector systems. We anticipate reaching project completion this year, and we’re making great progress on both elements,” King confirms.
The second solar farm project
near Bow Island aims to connect an existing wind farm, currently generating 300MW, to the utility’s proposed substation.
It seeks to support a tie-in of renewable energy with the electrical grid, through which Rising Edge is responsible for the EPC of a 240/34.5kV collector substation.
“This project is nearly complete and is currently at the closeout stage for commissioning tests, quality inspections, and contract reviews.”
Rising Edge’s third wind farm project, although not located in Alberta, utilizes the province’s resources to support and execute the work. Located near Kipling, Saskatchewan, the project is developing a 200MW wind power facility.
Rising Edge’s involvement includes installing 106km of collector systems to 36 wind turbines, the EPC of a 230/34.5kV substation, material management, underground utility
Specialty Fabrication in Calgary
crossings, splicing and terminations, and testing and commissioning.
In addition, Rising Edge is participating in another large-scale solar project - a 93MW solar farm located near Drumheller.
“We are providing EPC services for the solar facility, including control building fabrication and utility connections to three 25kV lines,” King surmises.
A BRIGHT FUTURE
Amidst a stimulating industry landscape, Rising Edge cites the widespread push towards sustainable innovation as a source of increased opportunity. As a major industry player, it anticipates a bright future.
“Given our rapid movement within the renewable energy industry, it’s hard to pinpoint any one project that
RISING EDGE DIVISIONS – AT A GLANCE
Rising Edge operates under a group of companies, each specializing in a specific discipline and located strategically across North America. The divisions are broken down as follows:
1. ALBERTA – Providing a full service offering for the province of Alberta and neighboring territories such as British Columbia and the Yukon.
2. SASKATCHEWAN – Supplying the provinces of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
3. ATLANTIC – Offering services in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, with plans to expand into neighboring provinces.
4. CALIFORNIA – The company’s first US-established operation provides full energy services in California with additional union support for neighboring states.
5. HIGH-VOLTAGE SOLUTIONS – Rising Edge’s latest division in North Carolina serves clients’ high-voltage needs.
6. ENGINEERING – Based in Alberta, this division exclusively provides engineering services to the company’s sister sites. Licensed and registered in various provinces and states, it can support any client or project regardless of location.
Each division has a unique balance of customizable client approaches based on geographical differences and needs, while maintaining a consistent project execution strategy.
Given Rising Edge’s existing reputation for excellence and its burgeoning presence in the renewable energy sector, the industry can certainly anticipate an electrifying future. truly excites us – they all do,” King fondly reflects.
Continuing to fulfill its reputation as a client-centric and solutions-based organization, the company’s projects, ranging from commissioning tests to full-scale EPC wind farms, are all undertaken with the utmost care and attention to detail.
In addition, as obtaining more large-scale renewable projects in the US becomes an increasingly attractive prospect, Rising Edge is on track to secure further US contracts for 2024 and beyond.
Looking to the future, it is focused on a number of key objectives, such as supporting and growing its existing relationships with clients in both the utilities and renewables spaces.
“Over the past year, we have hired a Vice President (VP) for our operations in Eastern Canada to assist our mandate to expand in the area,” he outlines.
Since the appointment, Rising Edge has established a third office in Fredericton, New Brunswick, and continued to grow its presence in Atlantic Canada while also entering Ontario.
“Another priority is growing our footprint in the US. As we currently base our operations out of California and North Carolina, we aim to have a third office open by the end of the year and have hired a VP for our US operations to support this growth,” King concludes.
Tel: +1-403-202-8751 risingedgegroup.com
