Hydro One plans major power line expansion

Sep 29, 2009 - Hydro Review

TORONTO, Ontario, Canada 9/23/09 (PennWell) - State-owned Hydro One said it will invest C$2.3 billion over three years on new power line projects in hopes of delivering more hydropower to homes and businesses across Ontario.

The investment in new transmission and distribution lines is designed to tap into areas of the province where there is abundant potential for hydropower and wind power development, said George Smitherman, Ontario’s energy and infrastructure minister.

“Enhancing our transmission grid is critical to taking advantage of green energy,” Smitherman said. “Resources like hydro and wind aren’t often where the people are, and this plan will ensure we can bring renewable green power to the people of Ontario.”

In addition to unlocking the region’s hydropower potential, the grid expansion will create about 20,000 jobs, Canadian officials said.

“We’re ready to move quickly in enhancing and renewing our transmission and distribution networks,” said Laura Formusa, president and chief executive officer of Hydro One. “Hydro One has always provided world class electricity delivery to the people of Ontario, and our plans for the future will maintain that proud history.”

The investment, the government said, will improve the reliability of Ontario’s transmission system and could lead to a national east-west grid.