Electric utility construction price indexes

Construction costs for distribution systems edged up 0.2% in 2004. An increase in the material component (+3.2%) was offset by a decrease in installation labour (-4.1%). The finalized 2003 data for distribution systems showed a 0.1% advance from 2002.

Construction costs for the transmission line system series increased 1.9% in 2004 in contrast to a decline in 2003 (-2.2%). The increase of steel products (up to 46% in some cases) was the biggest influence in the 2004 advance. Meanwhile, some labour inputs decreased, which offset in part the steel movements. The transmission line component was up 3.4% compared with a 0.7% decline in 2003. The substation component rose 1.0% in 2004 following a decrease of 3.0% in 2003. Support structures had the largest increase (+8.5%), while station equipment declined (-1.1%).

Available on CANSIM: table 327-0011.

Definitions, data sources and methods: survey number 2316.

The first quarter 2005 issue of Capital Expenditure Price Statistics (62-007-XPB, $26/$85) will be available in July.

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