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The Lake Erie Connector (LEC) is a proposed 117km underwater electricity transmission line that would deliver 1,000 MW of power bi-directionally between Ontario and the largest electrical market in the world – 13 U.S. Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states. It is a shovel-ready project that is positioned to deliver significant benefits to customers and economies of both regions including:

  • More affordable, cost-effective electricity for customers as a result of increased energy trading between these power markets. For example, Ontario will see $3 billion in savings over 30 years of the project.
  • Greater market access and ability for each region to manage their energy needs and respond to shifting supply/demand conditions, outages, and system planning requirements.
  • Fully permitted with all necessary regulatory and permitting approval, including the National Energy Board and the required U.S. national, state, and local permits.

  • The project also will help improve the reliability and security of the respective energy grids. These benefits can be realized through maximized use of existing assets and without taxpayer subsidies.
  • Clean energy access with potential to reduce emissions profiles in both regions. For example, Ontario’s GHG emissions could be reduced by 2-3 million tons per year and PJM participants will have access to energy from non-emitting wind, solar, hydro and nuclear resources during periods of surplus generation in Ontario.

Learn more about the significant benefits the Lake Eric Connector has to offer.

About the Project:

The Lake Erie Connector is a proposed 1,000 MW, bi-directional, high-voltage direct current (HVDC) underwater transmission line that would provide the first direct link between Ontario and the largest electrical market in the world – 13 U.S. Midwestern and Mid-Atlantic states. The project will connect the Ontario Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and the U.S. PJM Interconnection (PJM) regional transmission organizations serving these markets.

Benefits:

This project will help deliver more affordable, cost-effective electricity to customers as a result of increased energy trading between these power markets. Each region will have enhanced optionality to manage their energy needs and policy goals and respond to shifting supply/demand conditions, outages, and system planning requirements. The project also will help improve the reliability and security of the respective energy grids. These benefits can be realized through maximized use of existing assets and without taxpayer subsidies.

Developer:

This project is being developed by ITC Investment Holdings Inc., the parent company of ITC Holdings Corp., the largest independent electricity transmission company in the United States and a subsidiary of Canada-based Fortis Inc., a leader in the North American regulated electric and gas utility industry. ITC Investment Holdings, Inc. acquired the rights to develop the Lake Erie Connector project from Lake Erie Power Corp. in June 2014.

Project Status:

The Lake Erie Connector project is fully permitted in Canada and the United States. Remaining key milestones include completing project cost refinements and securing favorable transmission service agreements with prospective counterparties. Upon completion of these steps, we expect to begin construction in 2021 or 2022.

 
 

Lake Erie Connector Can Save Ontarians $100 million Per Year

 
 
 

PROJECT PROFILE

 
 
 

PUBLIC MEETINGS / CONSULTATION

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Updates:
  • Posted Oct 06, 2021

    Updated Lake Erie Connector Commitments Tracking Table. Click here
  • Posted Sep 09, 2021

    Updated Lake Erie Connector Commitments Tracking Table. Click here.
  • Posted Aug 19, 2021

    Updated Lake Erie Connector Commitments Tracking Table. Click here.
  • Posted Jul 09, 2021

    Updated Lake Erie Connector Commitments Tracking Table. Click here.
  • Posted Jun 10, 2021

    Updated Lake Erie Connector Commitments Tracking Table. Click here
  • Posted May 27, 2021

    On May 20, 2021, the Ontario Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines authorized the province’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) to enter into contract negotiations for the Lake Erie Connector Project. Read the full statement here. 
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