The Ontario government and Hydro One have announced the completion of construction on the Chatham to Lakeshore transmission line.

The project, valued at an estimated $237 million, will increase the reliability and resiliency of the grid and bring 400 megawatts (MW) of clean and affordable electricity to the Windsor-Essex Region, enough energy to power the entire City of Windsor.

Work on the line was completed one year ahead of schedule.

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. Moreover, the 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,” said Energy Minister Stephen Lecce. “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 province says the new transmission line has also been a significant opportunity to build economic partnerships and advance reconciliation with First Nations communities.

Five local First Nations have the opportunity to invest in a 50-percent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project once complete.

Completion of the line also supported the province’s plan to build a renewed strategic alliance between Canada and the United States that will achieve 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. The 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 Hydro One President and CEO David Lebeter. “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."