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Have questions about the Power Downtown Toronto project? Get answers to frequently asked questions below:

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Power Downtown Toronto project?

Hydro One must replace critical underground transmission cables that serve Toronto’s downtown core and are approaching their end of life. These cables currently run between Esplanade Transformer Station (TS) and Terauley TS. Through a Class Environmental Assessment (EA), we evaluated several route alternatives and two different construction methodologies to install the new cables. A new underground tunnel was selected to house the new cables.

What is the need for this project?

The cables that run between Terauley Transformer Station (TS) and Esplanade TS have served Toronto’s downtown core since the 1950s, and are approaching their end of life. Replacing these critical transmission cables will ensure that we are able to continue to provide reliable power to institutions in the area such as TTC, hospitals, businesses, residential buildings, and universities and colleges.

When will construction start?

Construction began at each station in 2022 and will be intermittent throughout the project. Tunnel installation will begin in 2023 and be complete in 2025. The overall project will be complete in 2026.

When will construction start and how long will it take?

Construction consists of installing a new tunnel 25 metres below ground between Esplanade TS and Terauley TS, as well as the installation of access shafts within both stations. Construction began in 2022 on the access shafts and tunnel installation will begin in early 2023. The overall project will be complete in 2026.

What will the route for the new cables be?

The proposed underground tunnel will run between Esplanade Transformer Station (TS) and Terauley TS at a depth of approximately 25 metres below ground within road allowance. Please click here to view a map.

What will Hydro One do to mitigate impacts from construction?

As we will be constructing an underground tunnel for the new cables, we anticipate that surface impacts will be mainly limited to shaft locations at Esplanade TS and Terauley TS. Shafts are required to enter and exit the shaft as follows:

  • Location A - Entry shaft to be located on Hydro One’s property at Esplanade TS

  • Location B - Exit shaft to be located inside Terauley TS

Click here to join our contact list and to be notified of construction updates and upcoming engagement opportunities.

How much will the project cost? Will our hydro bills go up as a result of the project?

The estimated budget for this project is approximately $120 million. Improvements made to Hydro One’s transmission and distribution lines are recovered through our rate base. The Ontario Energy Board protects the interests of consumers and any changes to rates are rigorously reviewed by the Ontario Energy Board.

How will Hydro One communicate updates to the community?

During construction, Hydro One will focus on sharing updates through our project contact list and this web page.

To ask a question or join our project mailing list, please email us or call us at 416-345-6799.