Southwest Ontario

Energize Essex County project

Hydro One is investing to improve reliability in Essex County and support growing communities and businesses.

Current project phase: Planning - Class Environmental Assessment

Expected completion date: 2032

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Building a stronger grid for Ontario's future

Project overview

Electricity demand in southwest Ontario is expected to rise 73 per cent by 2050, driven by growing communities, advanced manufacturing and greenhouses. Hydro One is investing in Essex County to strengthen the local system, support industries that keep food on Ontario tables and build a more self-reliant grid.

The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has identified the need to increase supply capacity in the Kingsville and Leamington areas. To meet this need, the IESO has recommended two new transformer stations to be supplied by a new 230-kV double-circuit transmission line from Lakeshore Transformer Station (TS).

The proposed line will also connect the new stations to Leamington TS, with a new 230-kV station equipment area proposed adjacent to the existing station. This connection is expected to increase reliability and enable faster power restoration in the area. The project is expected to be in service by 2032 to meet electricity demand.

Visit an open house near you

Current open houses

Leamington

Wednesday, July 8

4 to 7 p.m.

UMEI Christian High School, 614 Mersea Road 6

Get directions

Cottam

Thursday, July 23

4 to 7 p.m.

Gosfield Communications Community Centre, 124 Fox Street

Get directions

See the project map

Project map

As part of the Class EA process, two viable route alternatives have been identified for the proposed transmission line, along with two study areas within which suitable site alternatives will be assessed for the new stations. We'll be evaluating these options by gathering environmental and technical data, along with input from Indigenous communities, community members, elected officials, interest groups and businesses.

Your feedback is important to help us select a preferred route for the line and preferred location for the new stations. We encourage you to view our interactive map to get a more in-depth view of the options being considered.

View interactive map Download map (PDF)

See what's coming

Anticipated project schedule

Summer 2026

Notice of Commencement and community open house #1

2026 to 2027

Consultation and data collection in support of the Class EA

Spring 2027

Selection of preferred transformer station sites and line route, community open house #2

Spring 2027

Release of draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) for 30-day public review and comment

Summer 2027

Submit Final ESR to Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks, Class EA process completion

2028

Complete detailed design and obtain permits and approvals, including Leave to Construct (Section 92) from the Ontario Energy Board

Fall 2028

Start of construction

2032

Line energized

*Dates are subject to change. In order to meet the energy needs of the region as quickly as possible, we are looking for opportunities to advance some milestones.

Guided by standards

Planning process

The project will follow the Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities (February 2024) in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This planning process applies to transmission infrastructure projects that are carried out routinely and have predictable environmental effects that can be readily managed.

Rooted in engagement and consultation, the Class EA ensures that potential natural, economic, social and cultural effects are thoroughly considered before a project begins. Engagement with Indigenous communities, landowners, businesses, stakeholder groups, government agencies and other interested parties is critical to help us plan a project that considers the needs and interests of the region.

Following completion of the Class EA, the project will require Ontario Energy Board approval under Section 92 (Leave to Construct) of the Ontario Energy Board Act.

What we shared

Public consultation documents

Project notices

June 2026

Download the notice of commencement

What these documents mean

These documents summarize the studies, notices and resources shared during the consultation process. They explain how routes were evaluated, decisions were made and how we engaged with communities.

Answers at a glance

Frequently asked questions

What is the need for this project?

In Ontario, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) is responsible for ensuring that future energy needs are being met. According to the IESO, electricity demand in southwest Ontario is expected to rise 73 per cent by 2050, driven by growing communities, advanced manufacturing and greenhouses. Pending project approvals, we will start construction in 2029 to support this growth and meet the 2032 completion date set by the IESO.

How is feedback used as part of the Class Environmental Assessment process?

Feedback is a critical part of our planning process. Our team will continue to have meetings, workshops, and community open houses to help us gather information that considers the interests and needs of the communities.

Local knowledge about the environment, including the natural and socio-economic environment, is used to help inform the evaluation to select a preferred route and sites for the proposed new transmission line and two transformer stations. Input from Indigenous communities, community members, elected officials, property owners and other stakeholders help us throughout this evaluation process and in identifying potential ways to avoid, mitigate or restore potential environmental effects from the project.

Please provide feedback by contacting the Hydro One team at: Community.Relations@HydroOne.com or 1-877-345-6799.

How is the preferred route and station sites selected?

Over the course of the Class EA, route and site alternatives are studied by collecting data from a variety of sources, including existing reports and plans, conducting environmental field surveys and technical assessments, as well as engagement opportunities to gather input and feedback.

A weighted multi-criteria decision-making analysis is then used to evaluate the route and site alternatives to identify the preferred route and sites. The analysis balances project-specific criteria in four equally weighted categories: natural environment, socio-economic environment, Indigenous culture, values and land use, and technical and cost.

I received a letter indicating my property might be affected. How can I get more information?

At this stage of the project, our focus is on gathering information and feedback about the proposed routes and station locations. Hydro One will be contacting all potentially affected property owners to share information about the project. No decisions about individual properties have been made.

Please contact us at: Community.Relations@HydroOne.com or 1-877-345-6799 to ask questions or share your feedback.

Land acknowledgement

Hydro One acknowledges that the Energize Essex County project is proposed on the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabe and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis people. Hydro One understands that Indigenous Nations have been here since time immemorial and are stewards of what many refer to as Turtle Island.

We are all Treaty People and with a commitment to friendship and our pursuit of reconciliation, we are thankful to be welcomed on these lands as partners in our shared future so we can improve on our past and energize our combined futures.