October 14, 2016 – The Ontario Energy Board has approved Hydro One’s application for the acquisition of Great Lakes Power Transmission LP, the utility announced yesterday. As all regulatory approvals are complete, Hydro One expects to close the transaction on October 31, 2016.

In January 2016, the company announced the acquisition of Great Lakes Transmission for $222 million in cash, subject to customary adjustments, plus the assumption of approximately $151 million in outstanding debt.

“We are pleased to welcome our new customers and employees to Hydro One,” said Mayo Schmidt, Hydro One president and CEO. “Great Lakes Transmission has a very strong team that has done a tremendous job serving their communities. By combining resources and best practices, we can realize operational synergies and positively impact price, reliability and quality of service over the longer term.”

The Great Lakes Transmission business consists of 15 transmission stations, 560 km of high- and medium-voltage 44-230 kV transmission lines and related infrastructure covering an area of 12,000 square km, and connects to Hydro One’s Wawa and Mississagi stations.

Great Lakes Transmission will begin to operate under the name Hydro One Sault Ste. Marie in early 2017 and will continue to operate as a standalone licensed transmitter.   

Following the closing of this transaction, Hydro One notes it will operate approximately 98% of Ontario’s transmission grid.