TransCanada Begins Construction of $500 Million Facility in Coolidge

COOLIDGE, ARIZONA--(Marketwire - Aug. 10, 2009) - TransCanada (TSX:TRP) (NYSE:TRP) has begun construction of a nominal 575 megawatt power facility that will provide an economic boost to the rural community of Coolidge. Hundreds of jobs will be created during the construction phase of the project and approximately 12 permanent full time jobs will be available when completed.

The power facility is expected to be online by May 2011. The simple-cycle natural gas-fired peaking facility, with the capacity to power 575,000 homes, will provide a quick response to peak power demand. The facility will also provide reserve capacity and the ability to generate power quickly to support power reliability in the region. Arizona-based utility SRP has signed a 20-year power purchase agreement to secure 100 per cent of the output from TransCanada's Coolidge Generating Station.

WHAT:  Coolidge Generating Station Groundbreaking Ceremony

WHEN:  Wednesday, August 12, 2009
       Presentations and Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: 859 E. Randolph Road

TransCanada Executive Vice-President Corporate Development and President, Energy, Alex Pourbaix, SRP Manager, Energy Management & Information, Charlie Duckworth and the Mayor of Coolidge, Thomas Shope will be on hand to officially launch the start of construction for the new Coolidge Generating Station tomorrow.

Interview and photo opportunities available following the event.

CONTACT INFORMATION

TransCanada
Media Inquiries
Terry Cunha or Cecily Dobson
(403) 920-7859 or (800) 608-7859
Website: www.transcanada.com