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Home > In Your Community > New Projects > Transmission System Projects
 Transmision
System Projects - Planning Process
Hydro One’s proactive planning process helps us be prepared for
the future, provide a reliable power supply and improve the efficiency
of the electricity sector. We integrate local area plans with larger system
plans over a 10-year period.
Load Forecasting
Hydro One works with local distribution companies to determine the need
for new facilities to keep up with growth. It's our responsibility to
make sure we can deliver power to the people of Ontario. Hydro One also
uses a number of forecasting tools, including econometric and end-use
models, to prepare load forecasts. Provincial GDP, population growth,
industrial production, residential housing starts, commercial construction
activities and conservation efforts are some of the factors we consider.
Technical Assessments
Technical studies are carried out in accordance with accepted industry
criteria and practices set by the Northeast
Power Coordinating Council (NPCC), the North
American Electric Reliability Council (NERC), the Independent
Electricity System Operator (IESO), and the Ontario
Energy Board’s (OEB) Transmission System Code (TSC).
In consultation with customers, possible transmission solutions are developed
and assessed on various factors including cost, value, lead-time, and
impacts on the environment and on the local community.
Consultation
Once we identify possible transmission solutions, we work with various
stakeholders to get their input. Our staff go out into the field and hold
public information centres to share our ideas and get feedback. These
groups include customers, provincial, regional and municipal officials,
local community members and other key stakeholders who have an interest
in the proposed transmission solution. We explain the need for the work,
give a description of the possible solutions, discuss any potential effects
on the environment or local community, estimated cost and when the facility
is needed. Based on an assessment of all possible options and including
feedback from the community, the best option is selected.
Approvals
A variety of external approvals may be required and stakeholders are able
to give input along the way:
Technical:
The IESO, through their Connection Assessment and Approval Process,
confirms the impact of proposed new transmission projects on the reliability
of the provincial transmission system.
Environmental: Where applicable, we submit environmental assessment
reports regarding proposed transmission system development projects
to the Ontario Ministry of Environment for approval. This approval process,
the Class
Environmental Assessement for Minor Transmission Facilities (PDF
2.2 MB), considers public input and the impact on the environment.
Ontario Energy Board (OEB) approval is required before we can
make most additions to our transmission system. This legislated requirement
gives the OEB the opportunity to assess the proposed transmission solution
from the perspective of price, availability, reliability, and quality
of electricity.
Federal National Energy Board (NEB) approval for construction
and operation of an international power line is also required for interconnection
projects.
Engineering and Construction
Once all approvals are in place, detailed project engineering, material
procurement, construction and commissioning take place. The construction
of new transmission facilities can take anywhere from months to years
depending on the scope and complexity.
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