Energy Minister Todd Smith was in Windsor Monday to release the provincial government's plan to ensure the province has enough electricity to meet demands over the next 20 years.
For the first time in over a decade, electricity demand in the province is on the rise. The growing electric vehicle industry and the work to end coal use in the province's steel industry is expected to increase demand even further. It's estimated the province will need an additional 8 terawatt hours to support those industries, the equivalent of doubling the energy use of the Ottawa region every year.
In addition, the province's plan to build 1.5 million homes by 2031 will also put pressure on the electricity grid.
The province's Plan to Power Ontario’s Growth includes focusing on building new transmission lines, new nuclear development, and building long-duration storage.
“Powering Ontario’s Growth lays out the province’s plan to build the clean electricity generation, storage, and transmission we need to power the next major international investment, the new homes we are building, and industries as they grow and electrify,” said Minister Smith.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens says knowing the province has a plan for reliable energy in the future will help to attract investments to the region.
"It's good for Windsor with the incredible growth that we're seeing. This power and this announcement today will fuel our growth for decades to come," said Dilkens.
Hydro One is currently constructing a new transmission line between Chatham-Kent and Lakeshore. Construction is expected to be completed on time by the end of 2025.