TORONTO — Hydro One Networks Inc. has filed two “leave-to-construct” applications with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) in a bid to garner approval to build the Northeast Power Line and the Longwood to Lakeshore Transmission Line.
The Northeast Power Line is a single-circuit 500-kilovolt (kV) transmission line between Hanmer Transformer Station (TS) in Greater Sudbury and Mississagi TS near Wharncliffe. Construction of the approximately $1.8-billion transmission line is planned to be completed in 2029, explains a release.
The Longwood to Lakeshore Transmission Line is a single-circuit 500-kV transmission line between Longwood TS in the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc and Lakeshore TS in the Municipality of Lakeshore. The approximately $1.2-billion investment is anticipated to bring about 550 MW of electricity to the region. It’s expected to be completed in 2030.
“Electricity demand in Ontario is increasing. These lines are part of one of the largest transmission line infrastructure investment portfolios in Canada that we are advancing together with First Nations,” said Ryan Docherty, executive vice-president, capital portfolio delivery, Hydro One, in a statement.
Through Hydro One’s First Nation Equity Partnership Model, proximate First Nations will have the opportunity to invest in a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of each project.
Filing a leave-to-construct application under Section 92 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 is required for electricity transmitters in Ontario to obtain approval from the OEB to construct, expand or reinforce the transmission system, the release notes. The application includes details on the project’s route, design, timing and cost.
