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The word “reliability” has been important every year in our history. This past year was proof. From wind storms and torrential rain to an ice storm at the end of December, Mother Nature tested our emergency response efforts in 2013. 

## PURCHASE OF NORFOLK POWER 

In April, we reached an agreement with Norfolk County to purchase Norfolk Power. 

## POLE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM 

In 2013, we replaced 11,000 wood poles across our 123,000-kilometre distribution system in an effort to maintain system reliability and promote public safety. The $82 million program is an investment in Ontario’s energy future. 

## SUMMERHAVEN 230 KV SWITCHING STATION 

In June 2013, our Summerhaven 230 kV Switching Station was energized in Haldimand County. Work began in 2012 and involved the construction of a greenfield station to connect the Summerhaven Wind Farm Centre under Ontario’s Green Energy Act. At maximum generating capacity, the 124 MW centre can produce enough clean energy to power approximately 32,000 homes. 

## STORM RESTORATION 

Ontario was hit with an onslaught of severe storms throughout 2013, causing power disruptions and at times, lengthy outages. We worked 24/7 to restore power to our customers. 

## Storm highlights include: 

• In January, crews restored power to 48,000 customers after winter storms caused a number of outages. 

• In April, crews restored power to more than 150,000 customers after high winds and freezing rain caused widespread damage. 

• In July, crews restored power to more than 400,000 Toronto homes and businesses after heavy rains caused severe flooding at our Richview and Manby transmission stations. 

• In November, crews worked for three days straight to restore power to more than 315,000 customers after a wind storm caused significant damage to our distribution system. 

• In December, an ice storm that hit parts of Ontario downed power lines and caused widespread power outages. Between December 21 and December 29, approximately 585,000 customers were without power. We worked with local utilities to get customers back on line and by December 27, 98 per cent of affected customers had their power restored. 

## MODERNIZING THE GRID 

Our focus continues on the Advanced Distribution System (ADS) – smart grid initiatives that consist of a wireless communication network and various intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) – to improve reliability and operations, renewable energy integration and provide timely information to help customers better manage their electricity costs. 

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In terms of our micro-fit initiatives and distributed generation, we connected 1,414 projects in 2013. The 2013 projects calculate to about 12,904 kW. Since December 2010, we’ve connected 11,329 projects, which calculates to about 109 MW in renewable power, through our clean and renewable energy programming. 

Another key step in grid modernization is the reinforcement of our transmission system. Ontario’s Long-Term Energy Plan announcement that we will develop and seek approval for the Northwest Bulk Transmission Line Project, west of Thunder Bay, demonstrates the Province’s trust in our ability to improve reliability in the north. 

