Hydro One Limited received a new regulatory licence from the Ontario Energy Board to develop and construct a priority 500‑kV double‑circuit transmission line that will run from the Bowmanville Switching Station to one of three potential terminal stations—Parkway, Claireville, or Cherrywood. The licence, announced on November 24, 2025, authorises the company to move forward with the project, which is a key component of Ontario’s Integrated Energy Plan.
The line will require upgrades or expansions at the Bowmanville Switching Station and at the chosen terminal station. The specific terminal station has not yet been selected; the decision will follow the Independent Electricity System Operator’s recommendation after the South and Central Ontario Bulk Plan study is released in Q3 2025. The project is designated a priority by the province, which streamlines the Ontario Energy Board review but still requires a full environmental assessment and leave‑to‑construct approval.
Hydro One will build the line in partnership with nearby First Nations under its 50‑50 Equity Partnership Model, launched in 2022. Under this model, Indigenous partners receive a 50‑percent equity stake in the transmission line, providing long‑term revenue streams and a stronger social licence to operate. While the specific First Nations communities involved in this project have not yet been named, the partnership framework aligns with Ontario’s reconciliation and economic development goals.
The Bowmanville‑GTA line is expected to be in service in the early 2030s and will support the integration of new generation sources, including small modular reactors (SMRs) at the Darlington Nuclear Generating Station. By expanding its transmission network, Hydro One positions itself to capture growing demand in the Greater Toronto Area and to strengthen its competitive advantage as Ontario moves toward higher electrification and renewable generation.
Hydro One’s president and CEO, David Lebeter, said the licence “marks another opportunity for Hydro One to invest in Ontario and partner with First Nations and communities to build a strong and secure electricity grid. The province continues to grow and we must act now to meet the needs of the future.” The announcement underscores Hydro One’s commitment to infrastructure development, Indigenous partnership, and the province’s broader energy strategy.
The project’s priority designation and the 50‑50 equity model signal a strong commitment to timely delivery and community engagement, while the planned integration of SMRs reflects Ontario’s focus on clean, reliable power for the coming decades.
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