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Energizing life for communities

St Thomas Line project

Hydro One is committed to energizing life for communities, people, and businesses across Ontario. As industry grows, so does the need for safe, clean, and reliable power.

Current project phase : Construction

Expected in-service date : 2027

Overview Community drop in
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Project overview

Hydro One is constructing the St. Thomas Line to connect PowerCo Canada Inc.'s planned electric vehicle battery cell manufacturing facility to Ontario's electricity grid. The approximately 20-kilometer, 230-kilovolt double circuit transmission line will extend from our existing hydro corridor north of Highway 401 in the City of London to the newly built Centennial Transformer Station in St. Thomas.

We’re here to help you

To provide comments or to be added to the project contact list, please call or email:

1-877-345-6799

Community Drop-in

Learn about the construction activities as we get ready to start building the St. Thomas Line Project this spring. We expect to complete the project by the end of 2027.

Belmont

April 16th, 2026

4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Belmont Arena & Community Centre

14020 Belmont Road Belmont

Get directions

Project map

As part of the Class EA process, we evaluated three potential route alternatives along with variations by gathering environmental and technical data, along with input from Indigenous communities, community members, elected officials, interest groups and businesses.

Based on this information and feedback received, Route Alternative 3 was selected as the preferred route for the new transmission line.

Project map

Benefits to the region

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Economic Growth

Southwest Ontario continues to attract large investments to the region. By providing the power needed to energize the new manufacturing facility, this new transmission line will support thousands of new jobs and future economic growth for St. Thomas and surrounding communities.

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Clean Energy

This project will deliver a safe and reliable supply of clean energy, playing a pivotal role in the decarbonization of the auto manufacturing industry.

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Growing Industry

The transmission line will support the largest electric vehicle-related investment in Ontario’s and Canada’s history, which will strengthen the auto manufacturing industry and work to meet the demand for electric vehicles now and into the future.

Anticipated project schedule

January 2024
Commencement of Class Environmental Assessment
February 2024
Community Open House #1; Introduction of project, presentation of proposed route alternatives
Fall 2024
Community Open House #2; Update on project and selection of preferred route
Spring 2025
Draft Environmental Study Report available for public review and comment
Summer 2025
Finalize Class Environmental Assessment
Fall 2025
Final Environmental Study Report
2026
Construction start
2027
Proposed Line in-service
*Dates are subject to change.
family sittign together on the couch EV car being charged
Father and son lying on the floor together Family sitting together on the couch

Frequently asked questions

What are your general working hours?

Construction will typically occur between 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Some exceptions may be required.

What is the construction schedule?

We anticipate construction will begin spring 2026 and the line will be in service before the end of 2027. Our crews will initially begin work on access roads and structure foundations in multiple locations. We anticipate structures will be built in a phased approach beginning at the south end in St. Thomas and moving north toward London. Hydro One will work directly with affected property owners prior to construction. Join our upcoming community open houses on April 16 for details.

Will you need to build access roads?

Temporary access roads are required along the route, and we will work with property owners in advance. Access roads will be a combination of gravel with some wooden mats in a few sections.

How will you prevent damage to my property?

Crews will review existing property maps and plans, complete locates, and if required, relocate drainage tiles before excavation. Crews may also use wooden mats and gravel access roads with a geotextile base layer to help mitigate soil compaction.

Who can I contact if I have concerns about construction activities on my property?

If you have any property specific questions or would like further information, please contact our Community Relations team at
1-877-345-6799 or Community.Relations@HydroOne.com

Land acknowledgement

Hydro One acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and the Attawandaron peoples. Hydro One also acknowledges that these lands are covered by the Upper Canada Treaties.

Hydro One understands that Indigenous nations have been the caretakers of Turtle Island since time immemorial. We also understand that our Nation’s history was not reflective of the friendship we strive for today. We are all Treaty People, and as Treaty people we must honour our obligations to work with First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities to achieve reconciliation. With a commitment to friendship and our pursuit of reconciliation, perhaps we can improve on our past and energize our combined futures.

We recognize these lands as being home to many First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, and we are thankful to be welcomed on these lands as partners in our shared future among the diverse Indigenous people who call these lands home today.

To provide comments or to be added to the project contact list, please connect with us

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