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Getty Images 172784174
Getty Images 172784174
Getty Images 172784174
Getty Images 172784174
Getty Images 172784174

Hydro One, ITC Michigan Complete Upgrades to International Transmission Line

Jan. 8, 2021
Upgrades to maintain reliability of the interconnected transmission system between Ontario and Michigan.

Hydro One and ITC Michigan, the company that owns and operates electricity transmission infrastructure in the state of Michigan, recently announced the completion of upgrades on an international transmission line that extends across the Detroit River from Keith Transformer Station (TS) in Windsor, Ontario, to ITC's Waterman TS in Detroit, Michigan. The companies upgraded equipment and installed optical ground wire, an important component on transmission lines that helps to energize life in Ontario by protecting equipment from lightning strikes and improving communication capabilities across the electricity system.

"Our highly-skilled crews safely completed upgrades to equipment that extends across the Detroit River, so that we can continue to energize life here in Ontario," said Andrew Spencer, vice president, transmission and stations, Hydro One. "By completing these upgrades and working together with ITC, we are maintaining the reliability of the interconnected transmission system between Ontario and Michigan."

Crews used a pulley system method to safely install the optical ground wire across the Detroit River with ITC in Michigan in December, which was also dependent on local weather conditions. The river crossing is approximately 730 m with variable height between the transmission towers on either side.

"The line work performed by Hydro One and ITC is another example of our ongoing commitment to the operational efficiency of the greater grid," said Simon Whitelocke, vice president of ITC Holdings Corp. and president of ITC Michigan. "These system improvements enhance the reliability and safety of the transmission infrastructure while ensuring its ability to meet new energy demands."

Hydro One and ITC received regulatory permits and worked together with partners including the Canadian and United States Coast Guards, RCMP, and Windsor Police along with the Windsor Detroit Bridge Authority, Windsor Port Authority, and Transport Canada to safely complete these important upgrades.

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