Ontario directing Hydro One to begin developing new transmission projects across the north
Ontario press release
Major Transmission Projects Planned For Northern Ontario - McGuinty Government’s Green Energy Plan Creating Jobs
Sept. 21, 2009
THUNDER BAY - Ontario is asking Hydro One to immediately proceed with planning and implementing major transmission projects across the province, including Northern Ontario, which will create jobs and build the green economy.
A series of 10 transmission projects and investments in the Northern distribution network are expected to create over 6,000 jobs in the region and will unlock significant opportunities for greener, cleaner electricity. Nearly half of the $2.3 billion investment to be spent by Hydro One on transmission and distribution projects over the next three years will occur in Northern Ontario.
An upgraded northern transmission and distribution grid will be able to support over 3,000 megawatts of renewable resources, such as wind, hydroelectric and solar power, by 2020. The investments are also expected to grow industry and open up the potential for future connection of First Nation communities.
Six core transmission network upgrades are moving forward, including an East–West line from Nipigon to Wawa, and a North-South line from Sudbury to Barrie. These projects will strengthen the backbone of Ontario’s electricity grid and help ensure there is enough transmission capability for renewable generation resulting from the province’s Green Energy Act.
In addition to bringing more renewable power online, these significant upgrades will strengthen the reliability of Ontario’s transmission system, increase energy trade across the province and beyond our borders and could one day lead to a national East-West grid.
QUOTES
“This move will harness one of Northern Ontario’s greatest assets – our renewable energy resources. It builds a critical foundation for the directions of the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario”
Michael Gravelle, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry
“Enhancing our transmission grid is critical to taking advantage of green energy. Resources like wind and hydro aren’t often where the people are, and this plan will ensure we can bring renewable green power to the people of Ontario.”
George Smitherman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Energy and Infrastructure
“We’re ready to move quickly in enhancing and renewing our transmission and distribution networks. 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.”
Laura Formusa, President and CEO of Hydro One
QUICK FACTS
- Northern Ontario is home to approximately 4,700 megawatts (MW) or 13 per cent of Ontario’s current electricity-generating capacity.
- The North contains about 40 per cent of Ontario’s current stock of developed hydro capacity
- Northwestern Ontario has approximately 1,400 MW of generation capacity
- Northeastern Ontario has approximately 3,300 MW of generation capacity
LEARN MORE
For more information, visit:
- The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure at www.mei.gov.on.ca
- Hydro One at www.hydroone.com
CONTACTS
Amy Tang
Minister’s Office
416-327-6747
Eric Pelletier
Communications Branch
416-325-1810
Other KNEWS postings about Ontario's Green Energy Act
http://media.knet.ca/node/7267 - Sept 4 Ontario announces $250 million loan guarantee program
http://media.knet.ca/node/6350 - Feb 25 - Ontario's Green Energy Act promising to ensure First Nation engagement and participation in projects