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Hydro One Announces Preferred Route for York Region Transmission Line -
Will Not Seek Approval to Construct Unless Requested by York Region

Oct. 4, 2004 — Hydro One has selected a preferred transmission option for the Supply to York Region Transmission Line Study following an extensive public consultation process involving local municipalities, government agencies, key stakeholders and the general public.

Based on the results of its environmental and technical analysis including input received from stakeholders throughout the consultation program, the company has chosen Parkway Transformer Station (TS) in Markham to Armitiage TS in Newmarket as the preferred transmission route. This selection confirms the earlier work of a joint planning exercise by the local distribution companies and Hydro One, which unanimously recommended the same route.

"We believe that since this route uses an existing transmission corridor with an existing 115kV line, it has the least impact on the environment and communities," explained Carmine Marcello, Director, System Development. "It is also the shortest and least costly option, and provides a diversity of supply to York Region." The evidence in support of the recommended transmission solution will be documented in Hydro One's Environmental Study Report (ESR) which will be submitted to the Minister of Environment in October. The public will be notified and will have an opportunity to comment on it when the report is available.

Throughout the consultation process the company listened to and discussed alternatives to the transmission option, including conservation initiatives, local generation and distribution solutions. If there is a preference within York Region to pursue any of these options, Hydro One has made assurances it will do everything within its mandate to provide assistance.

It is important to note that successful completion of the EA process does not commit construction of the transmission solution. Since this project serves to protect regional electricity reliability, Hydro One will not seek final approvals to construct with the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) until requested to do so by York Region and all affected local distribution companies (LDCs). This prudent approach allows ample opportunity for the Region and the LDCs to conduct their evaluation of other alternatives, and decide on how they wish to proceed. This approach also puts the risk of inadequate supply in the hands of the Region.

In the meantime, Hydro One will submit the ESR to the Ministry of Environment and obtain the required approvals, given the lead time associated with approvals and construction.

Hydro One will be hosting public information centres on the following dates and at the following locations where more information on the selection of our preferred route will be made available:

Monday, October 18
Premiere Ballroom & Convention Centre
9019 Leslie Street, Richmond Hill
6 - 9 p.m.
Presentation at 7 p.m.

Tuesday, October 19
Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #385
105 Industrial Parkway North, Aurora
6 - 9 p.m.
Presentation at 7 p.m.

Information on the project can also be obtained through the Hydro One Web site, http://www.hydroonenetworks.com/en/community/projects/transmission/

Hydro One owns and operates the province-wide electricity high-voltage transmission network and largest low-voltage distribution system in Ontario that serves over one million end-use customers. Hydro One is wholly owned by the Ontario Government.

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For more information, contact Hydro One Media Relations 24 at 1-877-506-7584 (toll-free in Ontario only) or 416-345-6868. Our Web site is www.HydroOne.com.