The first phase of a new gas pipeline from Lakeshore to Chatham-Kent is now in service.
Enbridge Gas said the first stage was complete in mid-December.
Enbridge and the province said the Enbridge Gas Ontario's Panhandle Regional Expansion Project helps provide energy necessary to fuel growth in Southwestern Ontario, which is home to a world-leading greenhouse industry.
The investment of more than $358 million in energy infrastructure will provide the increased capacity to support economic growth and development and stimulate an anticipated $4.5 billion in investments and local jobs, according to Enbridge and provincial officials.
Officials said the new gas pipeline will also deliver reliable energy to electricity generation facilities in the area, which is needed to help meet Ontario's growing energy demands due to increasing electrification and strong population and economic growth.
Access to a resilient, dependable energy supply ensures investments in large-scale manufacturing projects can be made with confidence, noted officials.
The project includes 19 kilometers of new pipeline, 36 inches in diameter, alongside an existing corridor from Lakeshore to Chatham-Kent.
Additional work on the project is scheduled to be completed this year, including construction at the nearby Dawn Hub, enabling connection to Ontario's underground natural gas storage facilities. Dawn Hub is one of the largest integrated natural gas storage facilities in North America.
"The Panhandle Regional Expansion Project is a game-changer for families and businesses in Southwestern Ontario. This project will ensure access to reliable and affordable energy, supporting local communities, attracting investments, and creating 7,000 good-paying jobs. Our government is delivering affordable energy families need to power their homes, fuel their businesses and greenhouses, and support a thriving local economy," said Ontario Minister of Energy and Electrification Stephen Lecce.
The Panhandle Transmission System serves residential, commercial, industrial, greenhouse, and power generation customers in Chatham-Kent, Windsor, Essex County, Lakeshore, Leamington, Kingsville, Essex, Amherstburg, LaSalle and Tecumseh.
"Ontario's economic prosperity hinges on the accessibility of resilient, cost-effective energy sources like natural gas. This project exemplifies Enbridge Gas' commitment to meeting these needs and the demand for natural gas from businesses and industries that are the backbone of Ontario's economy. It is also a prime example of the strong collaboration between businesses, governments, regulators, stakeholders and communities that will be required to meet Ontario's increasing energy needs in the years to come," said General Manager and Senior VP of Enbridge Gas Ontario Brian Johnson.
The new pipeline runs between Richardson Side Road in Lakeshore and Enbridge Gas’ Dover Transmission Station in Chatham-Kent.
The Independent Electricity System Operator forecasts that in less than 30 years, Ontario could need to more than double its electricity generation capacity from 42,000 megawatts (MW) today to 88,000 MW in 2050.