Updated Needs Assessment and Timing for Waasigan Transmission Line
May 5, 2022
A new transmission line called the Waasigan Transmission Line is being developed by Hydro One to cost-effectively meet growing electricity needs in northwest Ontario. As part of its transmission planning responsibilities, the IESO has updated its supply needs assessment in the area and provided recommendations related to the timing of the project.
The IESO’s updated needs assessment shows a higher demand forecast resulting primarily from mining growth. This assessment was informed by outreach and engagement with Indigenous and municipal communities and sector stakeholders as part of the ongoing Northwest Integrated Regional Resource Plan. Phase 1 of the project – which includes a line from Thunder Bay to Atikokan – is recommended to be in-service as close to the end of 2025 as possible, and continues to be the most cost-effective option to meet the region’s supply needs.
The IESO will continue to monitor developments in the region to provide the targeted in-service date for Phase 2 – which includes a line from Atikokan to Dryden. The IESO will provide an update on the timing of the need for Phase 2 at the beginning of Q2 2023.