Hydro One Seeks Ontario Energy Board Approval for Orléans Area Reinforcement Project

Hydro One Networks Inc. has filed a leave-to-construct application with the Ontario Energy Board for the Orléans Area Reinforcement Project, a planned transmission upgrade in the Greater Ottawa Area aimed at improving electricity capacity and reliability. The project calls for the construction of a new 11-kilometre, 115-kilovolt transmission line within an existing corridor between Hawthorne Transformer Station and Orléans Transformer Station, along with the conversion of an existing line between the same stations from 115-kV to 230-kV.

The company said the roughly $100 million investment is intended to strengthen regional transfer capability and support rising electricity demand in Ontario, particularly in Canada’s capital region. Hydro One said the work will help provide a more reliable power supply, support economic growth in the Ottawa area and create a stronger and more secure electricity system for the province.

According to Hydro One, the project is expected to be in service by 2029 if approved. The filing under Section 92 of the Ontario Energy Board Act, 1998 is a required step for electricity transmitters in Ontario seeking permission to build, expand or reinforce transmission infrastructure. The application includes details on the project’s route, design, timing and cost.

Ryan Docherty, Hydro One’s Executive Vice President of Capital Portfolio Delivery, said the company must continue investing in the electricity system to meet growing demand and support future growth. He said the Orléans project will help ensure a reliable supply of power to the national capital while improving system resilience across the region and the province.

Hydro One Limited said it is Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution provider, serving 1.5 million customers. The company reported $39.7 billion in assets as of December 31, 2025, and annual revenues of $9 billion in 2025. It said it invested $3.4 billion in its transmission and distribution networks in 2025 and spent $3.0 billion on goods and services, supporting the broader economy through its operations and supply chain.

The company also highlighted its workforce of 9,600 employees and said it remains committed to community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives. Hydro One’s common shares trade on the TSX, and some of Hydro One Inc.’s medium-term notes are listed on the NYSE.