Hydro One has taken the next step to build the new St. Clair transmission line between Lambton and Chatham.
Hydro One said it has filed an application with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to construct a new double-circuit 230 kilovolt transmission line between the Lambton Transmission Station (TS) in St. Clair Township and the Chatham Switching Station (SS) in Chatham-Kent.
The line will cost $471.9 million and will support local food supply and security along with economic development and job creation in the region, according to Hydro One.
Applying with the OEB is a requirement for Ontario electricity transmitters to obtain approval from the OEB to construct, expand, or reinforce electricity transmission or interconnections.
The application provides details of the project, such as timing, route, design and cost.
Hydro One completed the Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) in February 2024 to construct the new line, to expand Lambton TS and Chatham SS, and upgrade the Wallaceburg TS.
"Today marks an exciting milestone for this critical investment and moves us closer to getting shovels in the ground," said Hydro One Vice President of Strategic Projects and Partnerships Sonny Karunakaran. "The St. Clair project is one of five new transmission lines that, once built, will help meet the needs of new and growing industries and continue to attract jobs to the region for years to come."
The Independent Electricity System Operator is predicting demand for energy in southwest Ontario is expected to reach 2,300 megawatts by 2035.
"The St. Clair Transmission Line is part of a network of electricity infrastructure projects that will support reliability and resiliency of the electricity grid for farmers, residents, businesses and new industries that are making southwest Ontario their home," noted Karunakaran.
Hydro One acknowledged the project is expected to provide an additional 450 megawatts of power to the region once it's built, which is approximately enough clean energy to power a city with a population of about 450,000.
"I commend Hydro One for their dedication to sustainable energy solutions and pledge our community's full support for this endeavor," said Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff. "This project symbolizes our collective commitment to advancing our energy infrastructure while prioritizing the needs and well-being of our residents. We look forward to working together with Hydro One to create a more resilient and prosperous future for Chatham-Kent."
The transmission line also has a legacy component.
"Hydro One has offered offered five First Nations in the region 50 per cent equity ownership in the transmission line component of the project and is committed to working to advance the project in partnership," Hydro One noted.
The municipal leadership of St. Clair Township is also glad to host such a vital project.
"The St. Clair transmission line project reflects our shared vision for a more robust and sustainable energy landscape. I am grateful to Hydro One for their commitment to progress in this region and assure our citizens that their interests remain at the forefront of our priorities," said Jeff Agar, Mayor of St. Clair Township.
More information about the project can be found by clicking here.