Hydro One to invest in critical electricity infrastructure to support mining operations in Northwest Ontario

April 25, 2023

Hydro One Inc. announced it has received a letter from the Independent Electricity System Operator confirming the need for clean, reliable electricity in northwest Ontario to support mining operations. The IESO’s updated electricity forecast for the region recommends Phase 2 of the Waasigan Transmission Line, the new single-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line between Mackenzie Transformer Station in the Town of Atikokan and Dryden TS in the City of Dryden, be in service as soon as practically possible following Phase 1 to support mining operations and Ontario’s clean energy future.

“Hydro One is expanding the clean electricity system to harness the wealth of minerals in the northwest and support the incredible growth in the province,” said David Lebeter, President and CEO of Hydro One. “We will continue to work with Indigenous communities, municipalities, residents and stakeholders to develop and build this critical transmission line and ensure Ontario remains an attractive place to invest, live and work.”

“As demand for electricity is expected to grow by nearly two percent per year for the next 20 years in Ontario, it is absolutely critical that we work together to get the necessary infrastructure built in time to meet those emerging needs. The Waasigan Transmission Line will lay the groundwork so that communities, businesses and Indigenous peoples in the northwest have a reliable supply of electricity that supports economic growth. Projects such as this are key to an orderly energy transition that will meet the needs and objectives of future residents, businesses and institutions across our province,” said Lesley Gallinger, President and CEO of Independent Electricity System Operator.

“We know the demand for reliable, affordable and clean electricity is growing, and we are working with all of our partners, including the IESO, First Nations and Hydro One on meeting that demand. By designating the Waasigan Transmission Line as a priority, we are enabling economic growth and electrification in the North by ensuring the power needed by communities, businesses and Indigenous peoples in the Northwest is there for them,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy, Government of Ontario. 

Phase 1 of the Waasigan Transmission Line project is a proposed new double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line between Lakehead TS in the Municipality of Shuniah and Mackenzie TS in the Town of Atikokan. In May 2022, the IESO recommended construction of Phase 1 to proceed with an in-service date as close to the end of 2025 as possible. Phase 2 of the project is a proposed new single-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line between Mackenzie TS and Dryden TS in the City of Dryden.

Hydro One is currently undertaking an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. The review helps to identify a final route for the transmission line, predict and assess potential effects, and identify measures to minimize and eliminate potential negative impacts on the environment. This year, Hydro One plans to submit a Leave to Construct (Section 92) application to the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) for both phases of the project. 

Nine First Nations in the region have signed agreements with Hydro One and will have the opportunity to invest in a 50 percent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project. Completion of the line is contingent on stakeholder consultation and regulatory approvals.

Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)

Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.5 million valued customers, approximately $31.5 billion in assets as of December 31, 2022, and annual revenues in 2022 of approximately $7.8 billion.

Their team of approximately 9,300 skilled and dedicated employees proudly builds and maintains a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2022, Hydro One invested approximately $2.1 billion in its transmission and distribution networks and supported the economy by buying approximately $1.9 billion of goods and services.

They are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. We are designated as a Sustainable Electricity Leader™ by Electricity Canada.

Hydro One Limited’s common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.’s medium-term notes are listed on the NYSE.

SOURCE: Hydro One Limited