PUC Distribution Inc. Substation 22 Project

A substation is a secure power station that lowers high-voltage electricity so it can travel down your street. It works as the second-to-last step in a two-part process to get power to your home:

• The Substation: Drops regional voltage down to street levels (12KV).
• The Distribution Transformer: Drops street voltage down to home levels (120/240V). Note: The distribution transformers are the green metal boxes on lawns or grey buckets on poles.

PUC Distribution Inc.

No additional private property acquisitions are anticipated. Nearby residents may experience temporary construction-related impacts (e.g., noise, traffic, and construction activity). 

Yes. The project has already involved, and will continue to involve, local engineering consultants, environmental specialists, surveyors, geotechnical consultants, construction contractors, electrical contractors, and equipment suppliers throughout the design and construction phases.

The target project timeline is as follows:

• 2026:
• Complete all necessary testing, reporting and assessments
• Tender detailed design
• 2027:
• Complete detailed design
• Tender long lead equipment
• Tender construction
• 34.5kV circuit extension to property
• From intersection at Baseline Rd. and Carpin Beach Road the circuit extension will follow Baseline Rd. to Airport Rd and then North to the substation property.
• 2028
• Construction and Commissioning

If all necessary testing and assessments are completed on schedule, the new substation is expected to be constructed and energized in 2028.

PUC completed the property purchase in July 2026, and preliminary work is ready to begin. This work includes completing necessary testing, reporting, and assessments on the grounds. As a result, you may see PUC vehicles and workers in the area.

The new substation is needed for several reasons, including:

• Additional capacity. This project will support economic development in the area as the existing system servicing this area is reaching its capacity limits. The new substation will add an additional 20MVA of distribution system capacity.
• Better power quality. Power quality controls will be located closer to customers, increasing the refinement available allowing for less voltage drops.
•  More reliability. Bringing the source closer to customers will shorten the circuit lengths, reducing the likelihood of faults.

The new Substation 22 will ensure a safe and sustainable electrical distribution system for the community while supporting economic development in the area.

Yes. Bringing the source closer to customers will shorten the circuit lengths, thereby reducing the likelihood of faults affecting the circuits. It will also improve the quality of the power delivered, as quality controls will also be closer to customers.

The actual substation will be located in the existing field portion of the PUC property, and its footprint will be approximately 3,000 square feet, inclusive of the transformer bays.

Some vegetation clearing is required for construction and to maintain a safe clearance around the substation. Wherever possible, clearing will be minimized and conducted in accordance with environmental requirements and approved mitigation measures.

Construction activities such as excavating for foundations, moving equipment, and erecting structures will generate some temporary noise during working hours. The project team will work to minimize impacts to nearby residents and businesses where possible. Any applicable noise by-laws will be adhered to.

Some low-level operational noise from equipment such as transformers is normal. The station design will include measures to ensure compliance with applicable environmental and noise requirements, including sound-mitigating walls around power transformers.

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

The station will be in a brick/concrete building and include a controlled access and security system, electrical grounding system, warning signage, and other industry-standard safety measures designed to protect both workers and the public.

The project is being planned to minimize impacts to existing electricity customers. Any required outages would be coordinated in advance and communicated appropriately.

This substation will add an additional 20/26.6 MVA of 12.47kV distribution system capacity. (Two 10/13.3MVA ONAN/ONAF transformers, 4 new 12.47kV circuits)

Each transformer will be built on a complete oil containment system integrated into the transformer's foundation.

PUC has informed Prince Township Council, including sharing an update during PUC’s annual report to Prince Township Council on July 14, 2026. PUC will host several community open houses throughout the project, with a focus on property owners near the project location. We will also continue to share updates through public notices and our website. Transparency and ongoing communication remain priorities throughout the project.

Yes, prior to any construction, any required environmental assessments will be completed. It is also PUC’s standard to incorporate full transformer oil containment systems into our substations, which is not a regulatory requirement.