I participated in a delegation with Hydro One representatives including the Community Relations and District Lines Managers in August 2021 at the AMO conference.

These are my notes from the meeting which was only 15 minutes long:

* Based on IESO evaluations, based on our region’s (Windsor-Essex and Chatham) needs, the plan is for an increase from 500 MW to 2000 MW by 2035 driven by the green house expansion.

* They’re assessing asset requirements and will need two new stations in our area.  There has been no decision on where these stations will go.

* There are four major investments taking place in South-West Ontario:

1. Kings TS Modernization Project; phase 1 in 2017, phase 2 in 2020, complete by Sept 2022 and is on target; replacing 4 aging transformers.
2. Lakeshore Switching Station; started in 2019, complete by 2023; the station to support the incoming new lines.
3. Chatham to Lakeshore Transmission Line; environmental assessment report nearing completion, 230 dbl circuit line, 48km in length, line will be in service by 2025; bringing in the bulk electricity to provide the power the ag industry needs
4. St. Clair Transmission Line; West of London Project; new line starting the environmental assessment process. IESO recommended new 230 dbl line between Lambton and Chatham to reinforce service by 2028. No route selected but wont be near us

I asked about service disruptions, flickers and the claim from E.L.K. that these issues will increase in frequency as Hydro One works on line upgrades. Hydro One representatives agreed to a later meeting date to discuss these concerns specifically. They also assured us that there are incentives to minimize disruptions and that requests made of them have been addressed. Hydro One does not know what transpires after their E.L.K. meter.

This needs to be pursued. But first our administration and mayor have reached out to the Town of Essex and members of the E.L.K. board as an initial step to addressing service and other concerns.