Ontario has approved plans for a new underwater electricity transmission line to supply Toronto, aiming to meet growing energy demand linked to housing, transit expansion, and electric vehicle adoption.

The decision follows a recommendation from the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to build a high-voltage line from near the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station to downtown and eastern Toronto. Once operational, the line could deliver up to 900 megawatts of electricity, enough to power roughly 900,000 homes.

Currently, Toronto relies on two major transmission pathways, both projected to reach capacity by the 2030s. The new line will act as a third pathway, improving grid reliability and reducing vulnerability to extreme weather, including flooding and ice storms.

To manage costs, the government will launch the province’s first IESO-led competitive transmission procurement process, designed to encourage innovation and create opportunities for Indigenous participation and skilled jobs.

Construction is expected to take seven to ten years, with officials emphasizing the need to act now to avoid future infrastructure bottlenecks. The project is part of Ontario’s Energy for Generations plan, which focuses on transmission expansion, nuclear upgrades, and ensuring long-term power reliability.

Source: northumberlanddaily.ca