Electric utility construction price indexes

Construction costs for distribution systems increased 0.2% in the first half of 2003. The major factors behind this increase were the higher costs of distribution systems equipment (+0.8%) and materials (+0.6%), which were moderated by the lower costs of construction indirects (-1.4%). Meanwhile, the revised 2002 data for distribution systems showed an increase of 0.7 % from 2001.

Construction costs for the transmission line system series declined 1.5% in the first half of 2003, compared with a 1.8% increase in 2002. The transmission line component fell (-0.6%) compared with an increase of 1.6% in the previous year. Construction indirects (-2.0%) had the largest influence on the 2003 downward movement. The substation component decreased in the first half of 2003 (-2.1%) following the 2.0% increase the previous year. Station equipment was the largest contributor (-4.3%) to the 2003 index decline.

Available on CANSIM: table 327-0011.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 2316.

The second quarter 2003 issue of Capital expenditure price statistics (62-007-XPB, $26/$85) will be available soon.

For more information, or to enquire about the concepts, methods, and data quality of this release, contact Client Services (613-951-9606; fax: 613-951-1539; infounit@statcan.gc.ca) or Adrian Fisher (613-951-9612; adrianfisher@statcan.gc.ca), Prices Division.