Refurbishment work is now complete at the Beck #2 Transformer Station in Niagara Falls, the province and Hydro One announced on September 16.

The $135-million project will extend the life of the existing station by 40 years and ensure a reliable supply of affordable and clean energy that will enable new homes, new investments, and new jobs in southwestern Ontario.

"We face unprecedented energy demand, which is why Ontario must move with speed to generate and store more clean energy for our families and future,” said Energy Minister Stephen Lecce. “This completed investment by Hydro One is just another part of our plan that will provide thousands of families in the Niagara Region affordable and reliable power for years to come, as we continue to expand and strengthen our grid to attract new economic opportunities and keep rates low for Ontario families and farmers.”

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator has forecast that electricity demand will increase by 60 percent by 2050 as a result of new investments, new homes, and electrification.

The refurbished station connects more than 1,500 megawatts (MW) of clean, hydroelectric generation through its 230kV transmission circuits. Work at the Beck #2 Transformer station began in 2016 and included the replacement of all switchyard equipment, including circuit breakers, high-pressure air system, and disconnect switches.

The Beck #2 Transformer Station is home to four of the 26 interties Ontario has with its neighbouring jurisdictions. The refurbished transformer station is critical infrastructure that helps to ensure reliability in both New York and Ontario. The province regularly trades electricity with neighbouring jurisdictions, with its clean energy mix serving as a major advantage, as other jurisdictions look to reduce their reliance on dirtier forms of energy like coal.

"At Hydro One, we know it’s imperative we invest in the local electricity system so power is there when it’s needed to support economic and community growth across the province,” said Hydro One President and CEO David Lebeter. “Beck #2 TS is a critical station for Ontario’s electricity grid, and this work will strengthen the transmission system and continue to supply clean, safe, and resilient power for the Niagara region now and in the future."

Earlier in the year, the government invested $1 billion to refurbish Sir Adam Beck Generating station in Niagara Falls. The eight-year project will enable 40 years of clean and reliable power.