Horizon Utilities completes $4.8 million system modernization project

Horizon Utilities Corporation is pleased to announce the on-time completion of the second phase of a three-year modernization project in St. Catharines totalling $4.8 million.

The project involves significant system renewal in the St Catharines service area to allow for the 2017 decommissioning of the Vine and Grantham 4kV substation making way for newer and more robust 13.8 kV (kV = thousand volts) assets.

This proactive upgrade called for the replacement of over 24 kilometers of new overhead wires supported by 380 new poles and 110 new transformers. These improvements – together with underground cable and overhead switches – were required prior to the decommissioning of the substation in 2017. The system modernization project avoids the need for a substantial capital investment into the substations.

Horizon Utilities began this infrastructure upgrade in January with an expected completion date of late 2016. As part of Horizon Utilities’ commitment to better meet current and future electricity needs, the local utility will have invested nearly $38 million for capital projects in 2016, including $27 million earmarked for system renewal efforts.

Horizon Utilities is continuously investing in electrical infrastructure while supporting growth and providing safe, reliable and sustainable power for customers in the communities we serve.Learn more at www.horizonutilities.com.

About Horizon Utilities Corporation
Horizon Utilities Corporation is proud to be Canada’s first Sustainable Electricity CompanyTM, a designation of the Canadian Electricity Association. The company, which provides electricity and related utility services to 245,000 customers in Hamilton and St. Catharines, is one of the largest municipally owned electricity distribution companies in Ontario. In addition to triple bottom line reporting on its own operations, the company leverages its assets and resources to contribute to the sustainability of its communities. This includes conservation implementation

through energy mapping and a customer connection policy that follows smart growth principles. Horizon Utilities’ employees are committed to delivering a safe and reliable supply of electricity, providing unparalleled customer value, and helping to create a culture of energy conservation in Ontario. The company has been named a Top 10 Employer in Hamilton-Niagara six years running. Learn more at www.horizonutilities.com

For more information, contact:

John Friesen
Manager, External Communications
Horizon Utilities Corporation
Tel: 905 521 4908
Cell: 905 741 5578
Email: john.friesen@horizonutilities.com