The project involves the construction of a 180-km, 500-kilovolt transmission line on a widened existing corridor between the Bruce Power Facility and Hydro One’s switching station in Milton.

The line will transfer more than 3,000 megawatts of clean and renewable power from the Bruce area to southern Ontario.

The project represents the largest expansion to Ontario’s transmission system in 20 years.

In its decision, the OEB found the project to be in the public interest in regard to its impact on price, reliability and quality of electricity service to consumers.

The board also concluded that the economic benefits of the transmission line exceed its estimated costs of $635 million, and that it improves system reliability, which benefits all electricity consumers.

“This decision is an important milestone in our efforts to secure Ontario’s clean and renewable energy future,” said Hydro One president and CEO Laura Formusa.

She said the company is also sensitive to the concerns of property owners, local municipalities and stakeholders affected by the project and will continue to work with them to ensure their concerns are managed in a way that is fair and responsible.

The OEB decision is the first major approval required to build the line and is conditional upon the project receiving Ontario Environmental Assessment Act approval.

Hydro One recently released its Bruce to Milton draft environmental assessment report for a 30-day review period that ends today.

The report can be viewed at www.HydroOneNetworks.com/BrucetoMilton or in person at Town Hall Victoria Park and the Milton Public Library.

A CD containing the report can also be ordered by calling 1-877-345-6799.

After the review period, the document will be revised as appropriate and a final EA report is expected to be submitted to the Ministry of the Environment in November.

Construction of the Bruce to Milton line is scheduled to begin once approvals are received and the necessary property rights are in place.

The new line is planned to go into service in December 2011.