Electricity Plan Released for Northeast Ontario
October 27, 2022
A new plan to address emerging needs in Northeast Ontario is now available. The report, Need for Northeast Bulk System Reinforcements, recommends solutions to address high growth in electricity demand driven by strong economic development, decarbonization initiatives and government policies. Informed by technical studies and stakeholder engagement, the report outlines necessary actions to ensure the adequacy and reliability of electricity supply up to the year 2042 including:
- A new ~260 km single circuit 230 kV transmission line (built to 500 kV standards) between Wawa Transformer Station (TS) and Porcupine TS to be in-service in 2030
- A new ~205 km single circuit 500 kV transmission line between Mississagi TS and Hanmer TS and addition of two new autotransformers at Mississagi TS to be in-service in 2029
- A new ~75 km double circuit 230 kV transmission line between Mississagi TS and Third Line TS to be in-service in 2029
- Voltage control devices identified in accordance with the detailed design of these new facilities.
The recommended plan provides further benefits beyond accommodating increased electricity demand (including a scenario with even higher growth). These benefits include:
- Increasing power transfer capability from Sudbury to regions west of Sudbury to supply loads around the City of Sault Ste. Marie,
- Improving reliability for existing and future loads around the City of Timmins
- Strengthening the connection between the Northeast and the Northwest and improving the resiliency of the Northern Ontario transmission network
- Providing a foundation and reserving the ability for further expansions
Visit the Northeast Bulk Electricity Planning engagement web page for details about the engagement sessions, input received, as well as the IESO’s responses to feedback about how input was considered in the final recommendations.