The Barrie Area Transmission Upgrade project consists of three main components
1. Upgrading the current Barrie Transformer Station
Barrie TS is reaching capacity as a 115 kilovolt (kV) station and requires upgrading to a 230 kV station. The station upgrade will require expansion onto adjacent Hydro One owned property.
2. Upgrading existing transmission lines and structures between Barrie TS and Essa TS
The current transmission lines will be upgraded from 115 kV to 230 kV along the existing corridor that runs from Barrie TS to Essa TS. Click here to view the project maps.
The two existing rows of wooden ‘H’ frame structures will be replaced with a single row of new, steel structures along the corridor. These steel structures will be taller to ensure a safe clearance from the ground for the new lines.
3. Refurbishing and upgrading equipment at Essa TS
Plans include installing new equipment and reconfiguring sections of the station to accommodate the upgraded capacity. This work will be within the current station footprint and Essa TS will not require an expansion.
Benefits
The Barrie Area Transmission Upgrade project will offer the following benefits to the local community:
- Upgrading equipment that is reaching capacity and end-of-life in order to continue to provide a reliable and safe supply of electricity to homes and businesses in the area.
- Adding capacity to meet the forecasted future electricity demand in the area, including growth in the City of Barrie and the Township of Innisfil.
