Hydro One obtains first approval for Bruce transmission line

On September 15, 2008, the Ontario Energy Board ("OEB") conditionally approved Hydro One's application to build a $635 million high-voltage transmission line from Kincardine to Milton. Once built, the line could carry up to 3,000 MW of nuclear and renewable power from the Bruce Peninsula to the power hungry Golden Horseshoe. The project, which would be the most significant transmission infrastructure upgrade in 20 years, would address one of the "orange zones", identified by OPA as having signficiant transmission capacity constraints.

The OEB's decision is the first major approval required before Hydro One can break ground on the project. The decision is conditional upon the project receiving Ontario Environmental Assessment Act approval. Hydro One will also have to secure property rights from owners whose land will be traversed by the transmission line. The line is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2011.