Hydro-Québec to Reinforce the Grid and Increase Capacity at Saint-Jean Substation
April 7, 2026
Hydro-Québec has launched a major project to increase capacity at Saint-Jean substation in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. The work will help meet the rising electricity demand in Montréal’s West Island while helping to improve service quality.
Work to convert the substation—which currently serves some households and businesses in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Beaconsfield—to 315/25 kV began in 2021. In light of the area’s growing population and ongoing development, a strategic infrastructure upgrade is essential to ensure system reliability and performance.
A key project for Montréal’s West Island
As part of Hydro-Québec’s strategy to upgrade the power grid and implement its Action Plan 2035—whose focus is improving service quality—the project will substantially increase capacity at Saint-Jean substation.
Most of the work will be carried out on land belonging to Hydro-Québec. However, both for safety reasons and to optimize traffic flow, two adjacent municipal lots will be used for materials storage, site access and construction staff parking.
Work ongoing through 2030
The work is expected to span about four years.
2026 and 2027
- Dismantling of old equipment and installing new 315/25-kV equipment
- Addition of 315/25-kV conversion equipment and capacitor banks
2028 to 2030
- Addition of a third 315/25-kV transformer and capacitor banks, as well as expansion of the control building
- Connection of multiple underground distribution lines to supply the West Island
2030
- Gradual commissioning of the new equipment
Once work is complete, the thousands of residential and business customers served by the substation will enjoy a more robust and reliable electricity supply.
Keeping the lines open
Hydro-Québec is working closely with the municipalities and local stakeholders impacted by the project.
Map of work at Saint-Jean substation
The work involves multiple stage at the substation location and includes connecting part of the West Island to the underground distribution system.
- Dismantling of the 120/12–kV equipment
- Addition of a 315-kV busbar
- Addition of four 25-kV capacitor banks
- Expansion of the 25-kV operation building
- Addition of a third 315/25-kV transformer
