Orilla, ON, CANADA - The transformer that is nearing the end of its life should be replaced to prepare the grid for the future and bolster the resiliency of the Orillia Transmission Station (TS).

Hydro One has announced that they are investing more than $10 million to enhance transmission infrastructure and improve power resiliency and reliability in Orillia and the County of Simcoe.

As part of the project, the company will replace the transformer that is nearing the end of its life to prepare the grid for the future and bolster the resiliency of the Orillia Transmission Station (TS).  While the work is underway, the station should be configured to connect to a mobile transformer unit (MTU) to ensure backup power is available to the community of Orillia in the case of an extended outage, resulting in a more redundant electricity network.

According to the company, as part of the investment, two smart switches were installed last year along critical transmission lines that run from Barrie to Minden to minimize the duration of power outages. These upgrades enhance automation and provide their grid control center operators with the ability to remotely control electrical equipment and restore power to customers faster.

"With storms getting increasingly stronger, Hydro One is investing in building a grid for the future in order to support local businesses, residents and the economy. As a proud member of the Orillia community, we are preparing our equipment and stations for the impacts of climate change," said David Lebeter, Chief Operating Officer, Hydro One. "Upgrades at Orillia TS and area transmission lines will energize life for customers and improve power reliability and resiliency for years to come."

Source: Hydro One