Transformer changes into electricity for Orillia and area

This massive 254,000-lb, Canadian-made mobile transformer completed a 2,000 journey to Orillia from Winnipeg.

One-quarter of a million pounds of transformer made its way to Orillia from Winnipeg.

This made-in-Canada story will relieve Orillia’s old transformer of its duties with a new 254,000-lb station.

The mobile transformer journeyed nearly 2,000 kilometres, to become one of the most powerful pieces of mobile equipment in Ontario’s electricity system.

“Orillia is central to Hydro One’s operations and plays a vital role in keeping the province powered. With electricity demand rising faster than it has in decades, and storms becoming more severe, the investments we make to strengthen the grid are essential,” said Scott Vicary, vice president, portfolio management at Hydro One.

Once complete, it will stand as the largest mobile transformer unit in Hydro One’s fleet and support a reliable power grid while making critical upgrades to the power system. The upgrade construction at the Orillia Transformer Station will continue through 2026, with completion expected by December.