The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) requests
Hydro One develop new line between Chatham and Lambton
TORONTO, March 29, 2021 A new transmission line between
Hydro One's Lambton transformer
station and its Chatham switching
station would provide electricity to support rapid agricultural
growth in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham areas. The Independent Electricity
System Operator (IESO) has requested that Hydro One continue to
expand electricity infrastructure in southwestern Ontario by building the 230 kilovolt double
circuit transmission line, which, if approved by the Ontario Energy
Board, would be in service by 2028.
"This transmission line is another step in a multi-faceted
planning approach to ensuring electricity is available now and into
the future for Ontario's
fastest-growing region in terms of electricity demand," said
Terry Young, Interim President and
CEO of the IESO. "Over the last number of years, we have engaged
with communities in the region, seeking their input so we can
better understand how to develop cost-effective solutions to meet
their energy needs."
"We are committed to powering the growing economy in
southwestern Ontario while we
continue to work with local Indigenous communities and the broader
community to plan, design and build a grid for the future," said
Mark Poweska, President and CEO,
Hydro One. "By working alongside the IESO, Hydro One will energize
life for southwestern Ontario and
ensure a robust high-voltage electricity grid is there to meet the
needs of our customers now and into the future."
"We applaud this investment in a new transmission line for
Southwestern Ontario," said
Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy,
Northern Development and Mines. "Transmission is the backbone of
the electricity system. This investment will help drive economic
growth and provide a reliable supply of electricity to power the
rapidly growing agricultural sector in the region."
As a result of extensive planning, analysis and community
engagement, the IESO is expecting agricultural electricity demand
in the Windsor-Essex and Chatham areas to grow from roughly 500 MW
today to about 2,000 MW by 2035 -- equivalent to adding a city the
size of Ottawa to the grid. The
IESO's studies also concluded that a Hydro One transmission line is
the most cost-effective and timely next step to supply the
region.
The IESO has been engaging with local and regional stakeholders
to better understand electricity needs in the area to support
economic development and job growth. Feedback has shown there is
strong community interest in an integrated solution of both
traditional infrastructure and innovative options to meet
electricity needs. Further action will be required to address the
pace of demand growth in the area and additional steps will be
identified in IESO studies to be released this spring.
Given the rate of growth in the region, implementation of a
variety of solutions to address growth is already underway:
- As recommended by the IESO in 2019, Hydro One is currently
developing the new transmission line between Chatham and Lakeshore, expected to increase
the amount of available power in southwestern Ontario by approximately 400 megawatts.
- Hydro One has recently energized two new transmission stations
in Leamington and is currently
building two additional transmission stations in the region.
- The IESO has invested $5.5
million in conservation programs in the region. These
programs have helped reduce peak demand by 10 megawatts while
enabling businesses in the area to save on their energy bills.
- The IESO has supported several innovative pilot projects with
an investment of up to $2.5 million.
These pilot projects will test new technologies and processes to
reduce peak demand and alleviate the region's load growth.
The IESO and Hydro One will continue working with Indigenous
communities, municipalities, and associations as this project and
other electricity initiatives in the region move forward.
For more information, please see IESO Backgrounder.
About the Independent Electricity System Operator
(IESO):
The IESO manages the province's power system so that Ontarians
receive power when and where they need it. It plans and prepares
for future electricity needs and works with its partners to guide
energy efficiency efforts.
IESO Media Contact
416-506-2823
media@ieso.ca
Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)
Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is
Ontario's largest electricity
transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.4
million valued customers, approximately $30.3 billion in assets as at December 31, 2020, and annual revenues in 2020 of
approximately $7.3 billion.
Our team of approximately 8,700 skilled and dedicated employees
proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system
which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities.
In 2020, Hydro One invested approximately $1.9 billion in its transmission and distribution
networks and supported the economy through buying approximately
$1.7 billion of goods and
services.
We are committed to the communities where we live and work
through community investment, sustainability and diversity
initiatives. We are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Company
by the Canadian Electricity Association.
Hydro One Limited's common shares are listed on the TSX and
certain of Hydro One Inc.'s medium term notes are listed on the
NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com;
www.sedar.com or www.sec.gov.
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SOURCE Independent Electricity System Operator