According to Ontario's Independent Electricity System Operator, electricity demand in the Windsor-Essex region is expected to more than double over the next 20 years, being driven largely by agricultural and industrial growth. A new transmission line provides certainty for growing industries, including the new Stellantis-LGES battery plant in Windsor.

"Our government is powering the incredible growth in Southwestern Ontario with new transmission infrastructure delivered a year ahead of schedule," said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. "Our focus on ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy is key to ensuring businesses, including the new Stellantis-LGES battery plant and the growing greenhouse sector, remain competitive in the face of potential U.S. tariffs."

Construction began in spring 2023 on the 49-kilometre, 230-kilovolt line between Chatham Switching Station in the Municipality of Chatham-Kent and the new Lakeshore Transformer Station in the Municipality of Lakeshore. By completing the project early, Hydro One was able to reduce the cost of the project by approximately $30 million.

The new transmission line has also been a significant opportunity to build economic partnerships and advance reconciliation with First Nations communities, which is key to successful energy infrastructure development in the province. Five local First Nations have the opportunity to invest in a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project once complete, through Hydro One's Equity Partnership model.

"Today's announcement marks a significant milestone for Chatham-Kent-Leamington and all of southwest Ontario," said Trevor Jones, MPP Chatham-Kent-Leamington. "The new transmission line from Chatham-Kent to Lakeshore is a transformative project that will create hundreds of good-paying jobs and provide a reliable foundation for clean energy development. This investment brings us closer to a prosperous future, ensuring our communities have the support and opportunities they need to thrive."

Ontario is investing to build transmission infrastructure that meets domestic economic needs while supporting the government's plan to build Fortress Am-Can, a renewed strategic alliance between Canada and the United States that will achieve Am-Can energy security, and act as a beacon of stability, security and long-term prosperity for both countries. The Windsor-Detroit interconnection represents on average 5,000 to 7,000 MWh of flow per day. This new line will continue to play a crucial role in maintaining the existing interchange capability between Ontario and Michigan.

"This project is a shining example of what we can achieve when we collaborate and work together with Indigenous communities, the province, municipalities, residents, and landowners to deliver critical electricity infrastructure projects," said David Lebeter, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro One. "Electricity is the backbone of our economy. This line is the first of five new transmission lines in southwest Ontario that will support growth and security in our local supply chains and continue to make Ontario an attractive place to live and invest."

The completion of the Chatham to Lakeshore transmission line is just one way the government is meeting the province's rapidly growing demand for electricity. Ontario's Affordable Energy Future: The Pressing Case for More Power outlines the challenges facing the province as demand for electricity continues to rapidly grow, as well as the government's all-of-the-above approach to meet this demand, including:

• Energy Planning - Developing the province's first integrated energy plan, including all energy resources, including electricity, natural gas, and other fuels to ensure the province's energy needs are met in a coordinated and long-term manner.
• Nuclear Energy - Advancing clean, reliable, and affordable nuclear power through pre-development work at Bruce Power on the province's first large-scale nuclear build in 30 years, four small modular reactors at Darlington and supporting OPG's plan for refurbishing the Pickering Nuclear Generation Station.
• New Transmission Infrastructure - Designating and prioritizing transmission lines in Southwestern, Northeastern and Eastern Ontario that will power job creation, including EV and EV battery manufacturing and clean steel production.
• Keeping Costs Down - Launching new energy efficiency programs through a $10.9 billion, 12-year investment in energy efficiency programs that are helping families and businesses reduce electricity usage and save money on energy bills.
• Additional Competitive Procurements - Launching the largest competitive procurement of clean energy resources in the province's history in addition to successfully re-contracting existing capacity resources at about a 30 per cent discount.

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