Ontario selects Hydro One to invest in priority transmission line in partnership with First Nations

Executive Summary

• Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines designated Hydro One to develop a new double‑circuit 500 kV priority transmission line between Bowmanville and the Greater Toronto Area, with service expected in the early‑2030s.
• The project includes additional priority designations for two other lines (a reconductoring of E8V/E9V and a new 230 kV line from Lauzon to Lakeshore) slated for service by 2027 and 2032 respectively.
• Hydro One will partner with local First Nations, offering them the opportunity to acquire a 50 % equity stake in the transmission‑line component under its First Nation 50‑50 Equity Partnership Model.

Key Details

• Project Scope: New double‑circuit 500 kV line from Bowmanville Switching Station to either Parkway, Claireville, or Cherrywood transformer stations; includes necessary terminal station expansions/upgrades.
• Service Timeline: Early 2030s for the 500 kV line; 2027 for reconductoring of E8V/E9V (230 kV); 2032 for new 230 kV line from Lauzon to Lakeshore.
• First Nations Participation: Eligible First Nations may invest up to a 50 % equity stake in the transmission‑line component via Hydro One’s First Nation 50‑50 Equity Partnership Model.
• Economic Impact: Expected to create thousands of jobs, support growth in agriculture, manufacturing, and greenhouses, and enable delivery of electricity from Ontario’s first small modular reactor (SMR) – enough for ~300,000 homes.
• Government Rationale: Designation aligns with the Integrated Energy Plan’s goal to expand transmission capacity to meet projected electricity demand growth over the next 25 years.

Notable Quotes

• “This designation marks another opportunity for Hydro One to invest in Ontario and partner with First Nations… we will continue to work collaboratively with partners to develop and build these critical lines.” – David Lebeter, President & CEO, Hydro One
• “The partnerships we build today are partnerships that will power future generations.” – Kelly LaRocca, Chief of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation
• “Ontario’s decision to move forward with this critical transmission line will support jobs and growth across key industrial sectors… and connect the G7’s first SMR to the grid.” – Hon. Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Mines