Hydro One Energizes Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line One Year Ahead of Schedule

January 21, 2025

Hydro One Networks Inc. (Hydro One) announced the completion of the Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line, one year ahead of schedule. The line was energized on December 17, 2024, and its early completion reduced the estimated project cost approved by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) by approximately $30 million. It adds approximately 400 megawatts to the electricity network to support the local agri-food and manufacturing supply chain in southwest Ontario.

“This project is a shining example of what we can achieve when we collaborate and work together with Indigenous communities, the province, municipalities, residents and landowners to deliver critical electricity infrastructure projects,” said David Lebeter, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro One. “Electricity is the backbone of our economy. This line is the first of five new transmission lines in southwest Ontario that will support growth and security in our local supply chains and continue to make Ontario an attractive place to live and invest.”

Lakeshore

Through Hydro One’s industry leading 50-50 equity partnership model, five First Nations have been offered the opportunity to invest in a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project.

Construction on the line began in spring 2023 and was carried out by Aecon Power Services Inc. (Aecon Power Services), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aecon Group Inc. Aecon Power Services estimates that more than 100 jobs were created during construction and a significant portion of work included services and material purchased from qualified Indigenous businesses and suppliers. This is aligned with Hydro One’s commitment to source five per cent of all purchases for materials and services from Indigenous businesses by 2026.

According to the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) electricity demand is predicted to increase approximately 75 per cent across Ontario by 2050. The 49-kilometre double-circuit, 230-kilovolt Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line is part of a network of Hydro One projects across the region. Together they are expected to support this demand as Hydro One electrifies Ontario’s economy and powers sustainable growth in communities across the province.

To learn more about the Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line, visit HydroOne.com/Chatham-to-Lakeshore.

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