Hydro One is energizing life in the City of Ottawa by ensuring we can meet the present and future electricity needs of a growing and vibrant community. To support growing electricity demand in the Orléans area, Hydro One is initiating a Class Environmental Assessment to build a new approximately 12 kilometre 115 kilovolt (kV) transmission line. This project also includes converting an existing 115 kV transmission line to 230 kV.

The proposed new transmission line would be in the middle of an existing hydro corridor between Hydro One's Hawthorne Transformer Station (TS) and Orléans TS. The majority of the new line would consist of single poles similar to roadside distribution lines.

No alteration to the existing transmission corridor are required to convert the existing transmission line from 115 kV to 230 kV, but modifications to station equipment inside Hawthorne TS and Orléans TS are required to accommodate the increased capacity.

The Class EA will follow the "Class Environmental Assessment for Transmission Facilities" (Class EA, 2024), in accordance with the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. This process applies to routine transmission infrastructure projects and ensures that potential natural, economic, social, and cultural effects are thoroughly considered before a project begins. The Class EA for Transmission Facilities process involves engagement with Indigenous communities, government agencies, landowners, and other interested parties, as well as preparation of an Environmental Study Report (ESR).

Following approval from the Ontario Energy Board under Section 92 (Leave to Construct) of the Ontario Energy Board Act, and the successful completion of the Class EA process, construction would commence in 2025 and be completed by 2028.