Hydro One wraps up Beck refurbishment

NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONT. — The provincial government and Hydro One have announced the completion of refurbishments at the Beck Number 2 Transformer Station in Niagara Falls, Ont.

The $135-million project is intended to extend the life of the existing station by 40 years, stated a release.

The refurbished station connects more than 1,500 megawatts of hydroelectric generation through its 230-kilovolt transmission circuits. Work at the station began in 2016 and included the replacement of all switchyard equipment, including circuit breakers, high-pressure air system and disconnect switches.

The Beck Number 2 Transformer Station is home to four of the 26 interties Ontario has with neighbouring jurisdictions. The station services both Ontario and New York.

Ontario’s Independent Electricity System Operator has forecast that electricity demand will increase by 60 per cent by 2050.

“At Hydro One, we know it’s imperative we invest in the local electricity system so power is there when it’s needed to support economic and community growth across the province,” stated Hydro One CEO David Lebeter in a statement. “Beck Number 2 TS is a critical station for Ontario’s electricity grid, and this work will strengthen the transmission system and continue to supply clean, safe and resilient power for the Niagara region now and in the future.”