Hydro One begins construction on transmission line to support clean energy and manufacturing goals
by CM Staff
The line will add approximately 400 megawatts of clean electricity to the region, which is enough power to supply a city the size of Windsor.
Groundbreaking ceremony with elected officials, community and industry leaders kicks off construction on first transmission line of new southwest Ontario network (CNW Group/Hydro One Inc.)
CHATHAM-KENT — On Jun. 19, Hydro One broke ground on its Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line, which once built, will provide clean electricity to support growth in the agri-food and manufacturing industries. Hydro One President and CEO, David Lebeter was joined by Minister of Energy, Todd Smith, First Nation leaders, as well as several local agricultural and municipal leaders to celebrate the start of construction on the $268 million investment.
“The Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line is paving the way for Ontario’s clean energy future and will support economic growth and local food suppliers in southwest Ontario,” said David Lebeter, President and CEO, Hydro One. “With our strong history in building new transmission lines, we’re focused on creating a new electricity network in the southwest that will bring a cascade of benefits including more jobs and economic growth, as well as equity investment opportunities for local First Nations that will generate revenues for generations to come.”
“The Chatham to Lakeshore line is an essential part of the plan for meeting the increasing electricity needs in the southwest,” said Lesley Gallinger, President and Chief Executive Officer, Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO). “Along with energy efficiency programs and innovative projects to reduce peak demand, it will be instrumental in supporting the ongoing economic growth in the region.”
Construction of the Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line will be completed by contractor, Voltage Power Ltd. (Voltage), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aecon Group Inc. The line will add approximately 400 megawatts of clean electricity to the region, which is enough power to supply a city the size of Windsor. The line is expected to be in service by the end of 2025.
The IESO projects that energy demand in southwest Ontario will quadruple by 2035i. The Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line is part of a network of infrastructure projects across southwest Ontario that will unlock the electrification potential of Ontario’s economy to mitigate climate change and help address this forecasted demand. As part of the company’s pathway towards Reconciliation, Hydro One has offered five First Nations in the region a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project and is committed to working to advance the project in partnership.
“Businesses serve as powerful economic drivers in local communities, and they depend on a reliable supply of electricity to continue to thrive,” said Rocco Rossi, President and CEO, Ontario Chamber of Commerce. “Taking proactive steps to address the growing demand for more power is essential to ensuring that businesses can continue to grow in Ontario with confidence.”
“Industries in our region need access to more clean and reliable electricity to power economic development,” said Stephen MacKenzie, President and Chief Executive Officer, Invest WindsorEssex. “These priority transmission projects will create new opportunities and attract investments in southwestern Ontario and will ensure continued local prosperity.”
