Horizon Utilities invests $3 million renewing West Hamilton
The project is part of Horizon UtilitiesÂ’ plan to invest $30 million in capital projects in 2014, including $15 million earmarked for proactive system renewal efforts.
“Horizon Utilities is committed to the reliability and sustainability of the electricity distribution system,” said Kathy Lerette, Vice-President, Utility Operations, Horizon Utilities. “We are making substantial long term investments in our communities to upgrade and modernize the infrastructure--and the projects in West Hamilton are a major focus for us this year.”
Horizon Utilities will be replacing hydro equipment and installing new poles, transformers and overhead wires as part of its renewal program. Updating the area served by HorizonÂ’s substation on Whitney Avenue, which serves the Ainslie Wood neighbourhood, is a five-year project that involves replacing and upgrading the decades old four kV system, with new, higher voltage 13.8 kV capacity.
Renewal Project–at a glance
Phase One–West Hamilton Conversion
Construction window:
February to November 2014.
141 - new poles
40 - new transformers
23.33 kilometers - overhead wire
1.24 kilometers - underground cable
2 - padmount switch gear installations
$3 million - project cost
Horizon Utilities has already started working on the first phase of the project, the area north of Main Street West from Osler Drive to Cootes Drive, which is scheduled for completion by November 2014.
Public and worker safety and concern for the environment are top priorities for Horizon Utilities. To ensure safety, minor interruptions in service may be required at various stages of the project. Horizon representatives will notify each customer of these short interruptions by letter 48 hours in advance.
The installation of new lines and poles will also require light tree trimming in certain sections to maintain safe clearances of trees near high-voltage wires.
Related News

TransAlta brings online 119 MW of wind power in US
CALGARY - TransAlta Renewables Inc says two US wind farms, with a total capacity of 119 MW and operated by its parent TransAlta Corp, became operational in December.
The 90-MW Big Level wind park in Pennsylvania started commercial operation on December 19. It sells power to technology giant Microsoft Corporation under a 15-year contract.
The 29-MW Antrim wind facility in New Hampshire is operational since December 24. It is selling power under 20-year contracts with Boston-based non-profit hospital and physicians network Partners Healthcare and New Hampshire Electric Co-op.
The Canadian renewable power producer, which has economic interest in the two wind parks, said…