FAQs

We’ve compiled answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the project, including upcoming construction activities, timelines, and what community members can expect as work progresses. If you have additional questions that are not addressed in the FAQs below, please contact us at communications@ssmpuc.com and a member of our team would be happy to assist you.

Quick General Facts About PUC (Transmission) LP

PUC Transmission LP was incorporated in early 2021 and received approval from the Ontario Energy Board (OEB) for a transmission licence in October of that year.
PUC Transmission is investing approximately $230 million to develop new transmission infrastructure that will provide additional electrical capacity to the west end of Sault Ste. Marie.
The project includes a new 230 kV transmission line utilizing single steel poles with side-post insulators to support two circuits, each rated at 400 MVA.
The new transmission line and station will supply approximately 300 MW of new load to Algoma Steel Inc.. This additional power supply will support Algoma Steel’s $700 million transformation project to operate two new state-of-the-art electric arc furnaces, which the company has indicated will reduce carbon emissions by approximately 70 per cent. The project is also expected to improve electrical service reliability and significantly reduce the community’s overall carbon footprint.
Station site preparation, transmission line clearing, and access road construction are nearing completion. Construction of the new 230 kV transmission facilities, including both the transmission line and station, is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the facilities anticipated to be in service by early 2028.
For more information on the project, visit our Project Plan page.

Q: What is the timeline for construction and completion?

A: The first phase of construction is nearing completion (installation of access roads and culverts along PUC easements, station site prep), and the next phase is set to begin. As groundwork continues to progress at the transmission station site, work on the transmission poles is scheduled to begin in early June, 2026. The preliminary phase of construction includes installation of pole foundations. Pole erection is scheduled for later in 2026 and into 2027.

Construction is expected to be completed by Q1 of 2028.

Q: What will the transmission poles look like?

A: The poles will be approximately 40 meters tall and spaced approximately 200 meters apartThe poles will look like the steel poles currently situated on the south side of Lyons Avenue between Patrick Street and Korah Road, as shown in the picture below.

Figure 1: typical poles to be used for PUC Transmission Project (GoogleStreetView)

Q: Who is delivering the project?

A: The project is being delivered by PUC (Transmission) LP, the licensed transmitter responsible for building and operating the new transmission line and station. We are working closely with:

Hydro One, which will supply the electricity from the provincial grid and upgrade the Third Line Transmission Station to connect PUC’s new transmission line;
Algoma Steel, the primary customer that will use the new power supply for its Electric Arc Furnace operations; and
S.&T. Electrical Contractors Limited, a Division of The Team Group. Following a competitive procurement process, S.&T. was selected as the successful proponent to construct the dual-circuit 230 kV transmission line and a transmission station.

Q: What’s the difference between transmission lines and local distribution lines?

A: Transmission lines carry electricity over long distances at very high voltages. They move power from generating stations across Ontario through the bulk electricity system. Local distribution lines operate at much lower voltages and deliver electricity directly to homes and businesses.

Q: Why is PUC (Transmission) LP doing this project?

A: The existing electricity system does not have enough capacity to power Algoma Steel’s two new electric arc furnaces once they are fully operational. The transmission line and station are critical infrastructure investments that will support:

Algoma Steel’s transition to electric arc steelmaking, reducing GHG emissions by 70%
System reliability
Future growth and development
Energy security for the region
Temporary and permanent jobs during construction and operation

Q: How much will this project cost? How is it being paid for?

A: The transmission project is valued at approximately $230 million. The project is paid for through province‑wide transmission rates, not by PUC Distribution or local customers in Sault Ste. Marie, so the cost is spread across all electricity users in Ontario. Transmission charges already make up about 4% of a PUC Distribution's customer’s bill, and this will not change. Because costs are shared across the entire province, the impact on individual bills is effectively $0.00%, with no effect on PUC Distribution rates.

Q: Who plans and approves transmission projects?

A: The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) identifies the need for new transmission (e.g., reliability, growth, connecting new generation). The Ontario Energy Board (OEB) reviews and approves the project (including costs and need). A licensed transmission company (like Hydro One or PUC (Transmission) LP) is selected to build and operate it.

Q: What are EMFs and are they harmful?

A: Electromagnetic fields (EMFs) are invisible forces that are produced whenever electricity flows, including in household wiring, appliances (e.g., hairdryers, toasters), and power lines. Power lines and electrical products emit extremely low frequency EMFs. When you are inside your home, the electric fields from transformer boxes and high voltage power lines are often weaker than the fields from household electrical appliances.

For more information, please visit Health Canada’s site: Power lines and electrical products: Extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields - Canada.ca.

Exposure to extremely low frequency EMF is not the same as electrical shock. Electrical shock can happen when an electrical product is used incorrectly. Learn how to use electrical products safely.

Q: What environmental protections are in place?

A: Measures have been identified and undertaken to minimize project effects during construction and operations. Examples of mitigation measures include:

Completion of a Class Environmental Assessment (available on www.puctransmissionlp.com).
Completion of Stage II archaeological assessment with participation from local First Nations. As an observer Batch FN
Minimized impact to landowners, including visual disturbance through strategic selection of transmission structure placements and vegetation retention where possible.
Avoidance of significant natural features, species and sensitive/ protected areas where possible.
Minimizing traffic disruptions during construction.
Use of safety precautions to protect the public, i.e., station security fencing.
A Construction Environmental Protection Plan (EPP) has been developed for the project.
Learn more in the Environmental Assessment found HERE.

Q: Will roads or traffic be impacted during pole installation?

A: Some temporary traffic impacts may occur when crews are transporting equipment, installing foundations, or erecting transmission structures near roadways. Traffic management plans will be implemented where required to minimize disruptions and maintain public safety.

Q: How large will the transmission poles/towers be?

A:The transmission structures are larger than local distribution poles because they carry electricity at much higher voltages. Final heights vary depending on terrain and engineering requirements, but structures are being designed to meet all applicable safety and reliability standards. Average height of the transmission poles is approx. 140 feet.

Q: Will trees need to be removed?

A: Vegetation clearing is required to maintain safe clearances around transmission infrastructure. Wherever possible, clearing is minimized and conducted in accordance with environmental requirements and approved mitigation measures. All necessary clearing has been completed to date.

Q: Will construction create noise or vibration?

A: Construction activities such as drilling foundations, moving equipment, and erecting structures will generate temporary noise during working hours. The project team will work to minimize impacts to nearby residents and businesses where possible.

Q: Will the transmission line be energized immediately after construction?

A:Before the line enters service, extensive testing and commissioning activities must be completed to ensure the system operates safely and reliably. The line is scheduled to be energized in January 2028.

Q: Will the station create noise?

A: Some low-level operational noise from equipment such as transformers is normal. The station design includes measures to ensure compliance with applicable environmental and noise requirements.

Q: Will there be lighting at the station?

A:The station will include safety and security lighting where required. Lighting will be designed to minimize impacts on surrounding properties while maintaining operational safety.

Q: Will the station be staffed full-time?

A: The station will operate primarily through remote monitoring and control systems, with crews attending the site for inspections, maintenance, and operational activities as required.

Q: What safety measures are in place at the station?

A: The station will include security fencing, controlled access, grounding systems, warning signage, and other industry-standard safety measures designed to protect both workers and the public.

Q: Will residents experience power outages during construction?

A: No, residents should not experience any unplanned power outages during construction. The project is being planned to minimize impacts to existing electricity customers. Any required/planned outages will be coordinated in advance and communicated appropriately.

Q: How many jobs will this project create?

A: The project is anticipated to create temporary and permanent employment opportunities during construction and operation. About 10 local permanent jobs will be created in areas like system control, engineering/maintenance and administration roles like finance and regulatory. The project will also generate dozens of indirect jobs through local contractors, suppliers, and service providers during construction.