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The Government of Ontario along with Hydro One announced the completion of refurbishments at the Beck #2 Transformer Station in Niagara Falls. This $135 million infrastructure program will extend the life of the existing station by another forty years and ensure a reliable supply of affordable and clean energy that will enable new homes, new investments, and new jobs in southwestern Ontario.
“We face unprecedented energy demand, which is why Ontario must move with speed to generate and store more clean energy for our families and future,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “This completed investment by Hydro One is just another part of our plan that will provide thousands of families in the Niagara Region affordable and reliable power for years to come, as we continue to expand and strengthen our grid to attract new economic opportunities and keep rates low for Ontario families and farmers.”
Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator has forecast that electricity demand will increase by 60 per cent by 2050 as a result of new investments, new homes, and electrification. The refurbished station connects more than 1,500 megawatts (MW) of clean, hydroelectric generation through its 230kV transmission circuits. Work at the Beck #2 Transformer station began in 2016 and included the replacement of all switchyard equipment, including circuit breakers, high-pressure air system, and disconnect switches.
“At Hydro One, we know it’s imperative we invest in the local electricity system so power is there when it’s needed to support economic and community growth across the province. Beck #2 TS is a critical station for Ontario’s electricity grid, and this work will strengthen the transmission system and continue to supply clean, safe, and resilient power for the Niagara region now and in the future,” said David Lebeter, president and CEO, Hydro One.
The Beck #2 Transformer Station is home to four of the twenty-six interties Ontario has with its neighbouring jurisdictions. This refurbished transformer station is critical infrastructure that helps to ensure reliability in both New York and Ontario. The province regularly trades electricity with neighbouring jurisdictions, with its clean energy mix serving as a major advantage, as other jurisdictions look to reduce their reliance on dirtier forms of energy like coal.
“I’m pleased to see Hydro One’s investment in the Niagara Region, which will provide increased transmission capacity to support our growing community and local industry,” said Sam Oosterhoff, Associate Minister of Energy-Intensive Industries. “This upgrade ensures that families and businesses in Niagara have reliable access to clean energy. It’s a vital step in supporting our community’s growth and competitiveness.” |
