Hydro One advances community engagement for the Durham Kawartha Power Line bringing safe and resilient electricity to eastern Ontario

Hydro One advances community engagement for the Durham Kawartha Power Line bringing safe and resilient electricity to eastern Ontario

Peterborough, ON, June 4, 2024 – Today, Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) announced it is advancing engagement with Indigenous communities, elected officials, property owners, businesses, residents and other interest groups for the proposed Durham Kawartha Power Line project (formerly known as the Greater Toronto Area East Line). Later this month, Hydro One will host three community open houses to share project updates, present route details and gather local input. Hydro One and proximate Indigenous communities will continue to collaborate on the early planning and development of the project.

“Integrating local feedback and knowledge from Indigenous partners and the community is vital for the planning and design of the Durham Kawartha Power Line project,” said Sonny Karunakaran, Vice President, Strategic Projects and Partnerships. “Electricity demand in eastern Ontario is expected to grow rapidly over the next 20 years and once built, this transmission line will increase reliability, advance First Nations equity partnerships and promote economic prosperity in the region today and in the future.”

The route for the proposed project prioritizes the use of existing transmission corridors where possible. Route alternatives will be evaluated for a small portion of the line.

Community Open Houses

• Tuesday, June 25, 2024, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Solina Community Hall, 1964 Concession Rd 6, Solina, ON
• Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Peterborough Lions Community Centre, 347 Burnham St, Peterborough, ON
• Thursday, June 27, 2024, from 2 to 7 p.m. at Bethany United Church, 3 George St, Bethany, ON

Hydro One plans to build a double-circuit 230kV transmission line between Clarington Transformer Station (TS) in the Municipality of Clarington, and Dobbin TS in the City of Peterborough. Once complete, it will increase resiliency and capacity for the Peterborough area and eastern Ontario by more than 400 MW. As part of the company’s journey of Reconciliation with Indigenous people and communities, Hydro One will offer proximate First Nations a 50 per cent equity stake in the transmission line component of the project and will work to advance the project together in true partnership.

The Independent Electricity System Operator has recommended that the new transmission line come into service no later than 2029.

For more information about the project, including how the planning of this project will follow the “Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities” (Class EA for TF, 2024), established in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act, please visit: https://www.hydroone.com/DKPL.

Quotes

“Hydro One has set itself apart as a leader in the energy industry, and we are pleased that they have begun to recognize the value in a shared journey of prosperity with our First Nation,” said Chief Laurie Carr, Hiawatha First Nation. “Their renewed approach is the first step in a long journey of consensus building, environmental and rights protection, and economic empowerment with Hiawatha.”

“The Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation is excited to collaborate with Hydro One on advancing the Durham Kawartha Power Line project.” said Chief Kelly LaRocca, Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. “We are confident this project will provide a long-term investment opportunity for our First Nation and enable procurement opportunities for our businesses such as Voyager Services Limited in electrical construction.”

“As part of our government’s Powering Ontario’s Growth Plan I’m pleased to see Hydro One advancing this new transmission line which will help meet the growing demand for electricity in eastern Ontario,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Energy. “Our government is accelerating the development of new transmission, including the Durham Kawartha Power Line, starting community engagement and getting shovels in the ground on projects that will power the next major international investment, the new homes we are building and industries as they grow and electrify.”

“Our area is experiencing an unprecedented rush of growth. Good planning today will help to meet our future infrastructure needs and foster economic growth in Clarington and the surrounding communities,” said Adrian Foster, Mayor of Clarington. “The Durham Kawartha Power Line is an important project in our region, and I encourage residents to learn more, ask questions and provide their feedback.”

“This new transmission line will not only enhance the reliability and resilience of our energy infrastructure but by investing in clean energy transmission, we will be reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier, greener future for our city,” said Jeff Leal, Mayor of Peterborough. “I am also grateful to Hydro One for their proactive engagement with our residents which underscores their commitment to our community’s needs and priorities.”

Hydro One Limited (TSX: H)

Hydro One Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, is Ontario’s largest electricity transmission and distribution provider with approximately 1.5 million valued customers, approximately $32.8 billion in assets as at December 31, 2023, and annual revenues in 2023 of approximately $7.8 billion.

Our team of approximately 9,700 skilled and dedicated employees proudly build and maintain a safe and reliable electricity system which is essential to supporting strong and successful communities. In 2023, Hydro One invested approximately $2.5 billion in its transmission and distribution networks, and supported the economy through buying approximately $2.5 billion of goods and services.

We are committed to the communities where we live and work through community investment, sustainability and diversity initiatives.

Hydro One Limited’s common shares are listed on the TSX and certain of Hydro One Inc.’s medium term notes are listed on the NYSE. Additional information can be accessed at www.hydroone.com, www.sedarplus.com or www.sec.gov.

NT6