OEB approves 180-kilometre Bruce-to-Milton power transmission line

The project will see a 180-kilometre transmission line built on an existing corridor between the Bruce power facility in Kincardine, on the shores of Lake Huron, and Hydro One's switching station in Milton, just west of Toronto.

The utility says the project is needed to meet increased demand for transmission capacity created by an increase of wind and nuclear power at the Bruce facility.

The energy board says in its decision that the project is in the public interest due to its potential to improve price, reliability and quality of electricity service.

It also says the economic benefits of the line, expected to be operational in 2011, will exceed its estimated cost of $635 million.

The approval is subject to conditions, including ministerial approval of the environmental assessment.