Calgary, Alberta · P.L.(Eng.), APEGA & EGBC Licensed · Incorporated 2005 · Serving AB & BC
Substation automation & communications engineering, from the IED to the control centre.
33+ years across electric utilities, pipelines, and oil & gas. RTU modernization on GE D20, D200, D20MX, and SEL RTAC platforms, IED integration over DNP3 and IEC-61850, electrical apparatus testing, and NERC CIP compliance — with AI-accelerated document engineering behind every deliverable.
Typically replies within 1 business day — no call centre, no account handoffs, no department to route through.
Services
From IED integration to point-by-point cutover — electrical, automation, and communications scopes executed end-to-end by one senior licensee, without big-firm overhead. Vendor-neutral across GE, SEL, Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Schneider/Modicon platforms — the platform is chosen to fit the job.
Substation Automation & RTU Modernization
Legacy RTU replacement and modernization on GE D20, D200, D20MX, and SEL RTAC platforms — substation server deployment, DNP3-IP database builds, and point-by-point cutover with utility master coordination.
SCADA & IED Communications
Communication architecture design and IED integration over DNP3, IEC-61850, Modbus, and EtherNet/IP — protection relays, meters, and controllers brought onto one coherent substation network.
Electrical & Apparatus Testing
Acceptance and commissioning testing of transformers, breakers, switchgear, and protection systems — insulation resistance, polarization index, and functional verification with complete test documentation.
NERC CIP Compliance
Cyber asset categorization, CIP-007 patch and firmware tracking, and automated compliance reporting for critical infrastructure.
PLC / SCADA / DCS
Siemens TIA Portal, Allen-Bradley Studio 5000, Modicon Unity Pro. Control narratives, HMI development, and plant SCADA integration.
Instrumentation & Document Engineering
Instrument indexes, datasheets, loop drawings, cable schedules, and hook-up details — with AI-accelerated index and cable-schedule backchecks, verified by the engineer.
SCADA & Protocol Training
Instructor-led training on DNP3, IEC-61850, Modbus, and substation network communications — delivered to personnel at 70+ utilities worldwide. On-site or remote sessions tailored to operations, engineering, and technician teams.
AI-AUGMENTED DELIVERY
AI accelerates the paperwork. A licensed engineer verifies every line.
Most controls firms mention AI in passing. GRT Automation builds its own AI tooling on Claude and n8n to compress the document-heavy half of I&C engineering — so senior engineering judgment goes where it matters, and deliverables arrive in days instead of weeks.
- EXTRACTIO lists and instrument tags pulled from P&ID packages automatically, then verified against the drawings.
- CHECKInstrument index, cable schedule, and I/O list cross-checks that catch tag, routing, and range errors early.
- ALARMAlarm rationalization and pattern analysis to cut nuisance alarms and sharpen operator response.
- PREDICTPredictive maintenance models that flag equipment issues before unplanned downtime.
- REPORTAutomated compliance and project reporting pipelines that stay current without manual assembly.
Selected projects
Three decades of major-project delivery for leading energy companies in Western Canada.
Electric Utility — SCADA & NERC CIP Programs
Team lead for SCADA automation projects including NERC CIP compliance implementation, brownfield PLC/RTU replacements, substation automation systems, and cyber asset categorization.
Suncor Firebag SAGD — Utility Projects
High voltage technical support for business unit projects: line protection relay upgrades, bus protection implementations, SCADA integration, well pad additions, construction work package reviews, and permit coordination.
670 km Pipeline — Metering & Compression
Lead instrumentation and automation engineering for a 670 km pipeline with 3 metering stations and 8 compressor stations. Led the I&C team through control philosophy development, P&ID development, technical bid evaluation, and shutdown key design.
Suncor — Upgrading Project
I&C lead for a major upgrading project: control panel design and layout, DCS panel configuration, communication architecture design, complete engineering documentation, and field commissioning support.
Gas Plant Expansions & SCADA Upgrades
Project management and automation for the Resthaven Deep Cut expansion and Horn River SCADA pipeline upgrade — engineering standards development, investment justification and AFEs, and multi-owner project coordination.
Pipeline System — LACT, Pump Stations & Terminal
Project lead for a pipeline system with LACT units, pump stations, and a tank terminal with 5 kV booster pumps: control panel design, telecommunication system design, P&ID development, and site architecture planning.
About GRT Automation
GRT Automation Inc. is a Calgary-based engineering consultancy operated by Garnet Tremere, P.L.(Eng.) — a senior substation automation, electrical, and control systems engineer with more than 33 years of hands-on experience on major Alberta and BC projects.
Garnet holds Professional Licensee (Engineering) registrations with both APEGA and EGBC, and has delivered work for operators and EPCs including Suncor, TC Energy, and Stantec. Substation communications are his specialty: he works hands-on with GE D20, D200, and D20MX RTUs, SEL RTACs, and the full range of substation IEDs, is the author of utility training on substation network communications, and has trained personnel at 70+ utilities worldwide on SCADA protocols.
The firm operates lean and home-based: no junior staff, no department handoffs, no overhead markup — senior-level engineering at rates a large firm can't match, with every deliverable personally executed and checked by the same licensee who scoped it.
Start a conversation
Tell me about your project and I'll get back to you within one business day. Core hours are Monday–Friday, 8–5 Mountain, with evening and weekend availability for commissioning and critical support.
TEL (403) 926-9912
BASE Calgary, Alberta