Two years after holding community consultations about its plans to build a new double-circuit 230-kilovolt transmission line between Clarington and Peterborough by 2029, Hydro One is seeking approval from the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) to proceed with construction.
Formerly known as the Greater Toronto Area East Line, the $430-million Durham Kawartha Power Line will run for around 55 kilometres between the Clarington Transformer Station in the Municipality of Clarington and the Dobbin Transformer Station in Selwyn Township just on the edge of the City of Peterborough.
Since beginning the project in June 2024, Hydro One states it has received feedback and completed environmental studies to select a route that minimizes the effects to the natural environment and uses existing transmission line corridors where possible. The preferred route runs through northern Municipality of Clarington, southern City of Kawartha Lakes, northern Cavan Monaghan Township, and southwestern Selwyn Township.
On Friday (June 12), Hydro One announced it has filed a leave-to-construct application with the OEB to seek approval to construct the Durham Kawartha Power Line.
Filing a leave-to-construct application under Section 92 of the Ontario Energy Board Act is required for electricity transmitters in Ontario to obtain approval from the OEB to construct, expand, or reinforce the transmission system. The application includes details on the project’s route, design, timing, and cost.
Hydro One is also currently conducting a Class Environmental Assessment (EA) in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. Following OEB approval and the successful completion of the Class EA process, construction would begin in 2027 and be completed by 2029.
Hydro One says that, once the new transmission line is completed, it will increase the power capacity in eastern Ontario by over 400 megawatts and increase resiliency and capacity for the Peterborough area.
Hydro One is collaborating with the two First Nations in proximity to the transmission line — Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Hiawatha First Nation — on the line’s planning, development, and construction.
Through Hydro One’s First Nation Equity Partnership Model, the two First Nations will have the opportunity to invest in a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project.
“Electricity demand is increasing,” said Ryan Docherty, Hydro One’s exetutive vice president of capital portfolio delivery, in a media release. “Aging infrastructure, severe weather, and the need to strengthen and secure the grid mean we must make significant investments to support growth and maintain reliability.”
“The Durham Kawartha Power Line is part of one of the largest transmission line infrastructure investment portfolios in Canada that we are advancing together with First Nations. We are delivering value for the people of Ontario by building a stronger, more secure and self-reliant system to meet the needs of the future.”
For more information about the Durham Kawartha Power Line project and updates, visit www.hydroone.com/dkpl.
