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Hydro One replacing interconnection circuit to U.S.

October 18, 2006 — Hydro One is rebuilding the two kilometre 230,000 volt interconnection circuit to the U.S. that was removed after gale-force winds brought down a transmission tower in the Sarnia area in April, 2003.

On October 23 a helicopter will begin stringing new conductor across the St. Clair River to restore a connection linking the Hydro One system to the International Transmission Corporation grid in Michigan. The new circuit is expected to be operational by mid-November, and will increase Hydro One's import capacity by about 100 MW (enough power to serve the average needs of about 30,000 homes) in advance of the winter's peak demand period. Restoring the circuit will cost approximately $2.75 million.

"This project will help improve overall supply reliability in Ontario by increasing electricity import/export capacity," said Yury Tsimberg, Hydro One's Manager, Asset Strategies and Standards. "We're maximizing the effectiveness of our existing high-voltage transmission system. The work is a reflection of Hydro One's commitment to investing in its power delivery system and providing a high level of service."

Hydro One delivers electricity safely, reliably and responsibly to homes and businesses across the province of Ontario and owns and operates Ontario's 29,000 kilometre high-voltage transmission network that delivers electricity to large industrial customers and municipal utilities, and a 122,000 kilometre low-voltage distribution system that serves about 1.3 million end-use customers and smaller municipal utilities in the province. Hydro One is wholly owned by the Province of Ontario.

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For more information and to make arrangements for photography, contact Hydro One Media Relations 24 hours a day at 1-877-506-7584 (toll-free in Ontario only) or 416-345-6868. Our website is www.HydroOne.com.