Hydro One

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Hydro One
Type Crown corporation
Founded Toronto, Ontario (1999)
Headquarters Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Key people President & CEO Tom Parkinson, Chair Rita Burak
Industry Electricity delivery
Products delivery of electricity
Revenue CA$ 4,416 million (2005)
Net income CA$ 483 Million (2005)
Employees 4,189 regular employees; 912 part-time, temporary & contract
Website Hydro One

Hydro One Incorporated delivers electricity across the Canadian province of Ontario. It is a Crown corporation wholly owned by the Government of Ontario.

Hydro One traces its history to the early 20th century to the establishment of the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario, renamed as "Ontario Hydro" in 1974.

In October, 1998 the provincial government passed the "Energy Competition Act" which restructured Ontario Hydro with the aim of privatizing all electrical generating and transmission/delivery.

On December 8, 2006, the CEO Tom Parkinson resigned due to the controversy surrounding use of company property and improper processing of personal expenses.[1]

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[edit] System Information

Hydro One's Transmission Line voltages are 500,000 volts, 230,000 volts and 115,000 volts. Hydro One has interconnections with Manitoba Hydro, Hydro Quebec, Minnesota Power, Detroit Edison, Niagara Mohawk Power and the New York Power Authority.

[edit] Restructuring

Ontario Hydro was restructured on April 1, 1999 into five separate entities: Ontario Power Generation, the Ontario Hydro Services Company, the Independent Electricity Market Operator (later renamed the Independent Electricity System Operator), the Electrical Safety Authority, and Ontario Electricity Financial Corporation.

On May 1, 2000 the Ontario Hydro Services Company was renamed Hydro One Incorporated and reorganized as a holding company with five subsidiaries:

  • Hydro One Networks Inc.
  • Hydro One Remote Communities Inc.
  • Hydro One Markets Inc.
  • Hydro One Telecom Inc.
  • Ontario Hydro Energy Inc.

Between 1998 to 2000, Hydro One acquired 88 municipal electrical utilities. Numerous local/municipal distribution companies were also consolidated during this time. Hydro One's master control facility is located at 49 Sarjeant Drive, in Barrie.

In December 2001 the provincial government announced the intention to sell Hydro One under an initial public offering, however by April 2002 various groups in opposition to the plan were able to successfully challenge the government in the Supreme Court of Ontario, forcing a halt to the IPO.

In May 2002 the provincial government went ahead with the launch of an open electricity market, even though generating and distribution were remaining under control of the government.


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