Hydro-Quebec to send power to Ontario

Quebec and Ontario have signed an agreement to construct a 1,250-MW interconnecting power line between the provinces. The agreement was signed between Hydro-Quebec TransEnergie and Hydro One Networks on November 14. Quebec will use the connection to export its surplus hyroelectric power and generate $684 million in investments.
Ontario is hoping that the imported power from Quebec will help it meet its projected energy needs, and without generating greenhouse gases.
The transmission line is to be built in the Outaouais region of Quebec and will run through the Cumberland area on the east side of Ottawa in Ontario. The first phase is scheduled to come into service in May 2009 with a capacity of 900 MW. The second phase will see the addition of a reinforcement line that will bring the capacity to 1,250 MW. It is scheduled to be in service by the spring of 2010.
Ontario’s Minister of Energy, Dwight Duncan, said the project would help to power more than 400,000 average homes in Ontario. “Under the new agreement Ontario will have access to a form of energy produced without greenhouse gas emissions, and will also improve its infrastructure.”
Benoit Pelletier, Minister for Canadian Intergovernmental Affairs said, “It is a perfect example of how our governments are working closely together on behalf of consumers and future generations in both provinces.”