Ontario Construction News staff writer
Hydro One has completed the Chatham to Lakeshore transmission line project one year ahead of schedule and $30 million under budget.
It’s the first of 10 similar projects planned across the province to expand energy capacity.
The significant project is expected to support economic growth of Southwestern Ontario. The $237 million investment, completed one year ahead of schedule, will bolster the region’s energy grid, supplying 400 megawatts (MW) of clean, affordable electricity, enough to power the entire City of Windsor.
“We’re incredibly proud of our contribution to completing the Chatham to Lakeshore Line a year ahead of schedule. This achievement is a testament to our close collaboration with Hydro One to deliver this critical project safely and efficiently,” said Steve Jeffery, senior director, operations at Aecon Power Services Inc.
The new 49-kilometre, 230-kilovolt transmission line stretches from the Chatham Switching Station in Chatham-Kent to the Lakeshore Transformer Station in Lakeshore. According to the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator, the region’s electricity demand is forecasted to more than double over the next two decades, largely driven by expansion in the agricultural and industrial sectors. This new line will ensure the region’s growing industries, including the new Stellantis-LGES battery plant in Windsor, have access to reliable energy.
“Our government is powering the incredible growth in Southwestern Ontario with new transmission infrastructure delivered a year ahead of schedule,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “Ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy is key to keeping businesses, such as the Stellantis-LGES battery plant and the region’s growing greenhouse sector, competitive in the face of global challenges.”
Hydro One worked with local municipalities, residents, landowners, and Indigenous communities. Five local First Nations are also set to invest in a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component through Hydro One’s Equity Partnership model, further enhancing community involvement.
“This project is a shining example of what we can achieve when we collaborate and work together with Indigenous communities, the province, municipalities, residents, and landowners to deliver critical electricity infrastructure projects,” said David Lebeter, President and CEO of Hydro One.
The Chatham to Lakeshore transmission line is part of Ontario’s broader efforts to ensure the province’s energy infrastructure can meet growing demand, particularly from new industries such as electric vehicle and battery manufacturing, and clean steel production. The government’s strategy also includes advancements in nuclear energy, the development of new transmission lines, and large-scale energy efficiency programs.
“This new transmission line will power the economic growth of our community for years to come,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor—Tecumseh. “For years, Windsor-Essex was frustrated by delays in hydro projects. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, we’re seeing tangible results with critical projects delivered on-time and on-budget.”
The Chatham to Lakeshore line marks a key step in the province’s energy future, helping to support local supply chains, enhance energy security, and attract investment in Ontario’s energy sector.
