OEB approves transmission line from Bruce to Milton

The Ontario Energy Board approved Hydro One's application for leave to construct approximately 180 kilometres of a double-circuit 500 kilovolt transmission line extending from the Bruce Power Facility in Kincardine Township to Hydro One's Milton Switching Station in the town of Milton, with conditions.

The transmission line will run adjacent to the existing transmission corridor (500 kV or 230 kV) and is expected to be in service by Year 2011.

Hydro One submitted that the project is required to meet the increased need for transmission capacity associated with the development of wind power in the Bruce area and the return to service of nuclear units at the Bruce Nuclear Generating Station.

In its decision, the Board found the project to be in the public interest in regard to its impact on price, reliability and quality of electricity service to consumers. As well, the Board found that the economic benefits of the transmission line exceed its estimated costs of $635 million, and that it improves system reliability, which benefits all electricity consumers.

The Board's approval is subject to a number of conditions. Most notable is the Minister of the Environment's approval of the Environmental Assessment.