Construction of a substation in Bas‑Saint‑Laurent

Region
Bas‑Saint‑Laurent
Status
Under study
Type
Transmission
Expected completion date
2032

Project to build a 315‑kV switching substation in the Saint‑Honoré‑de‑Témiscouata sector that will connect to the planned line in the Appalaches–Bas‑Saint‑Laurent corridor.

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Overview A project that is essential to the development of the power system and Québec’s energy transition

Hydro‑Québec plans to build a substation in Saint‑Honoré‑de‑Témiscouata, in the Bas‑Saint‑Laurent region. The proposed site is located near the existing 315‑kV lines that connect Rivière‑du‑Loup and Madawaska substations. Covering an area of approximately 335 m by 470 m, the substation will house switchgear and protection equipment. Ultimately, new 315‑kV line feeders will be added to integrate the output from future wind farms.

Québec’s decarbonization efforts and energy transition will result in a considerable increase in electricity demand by 2050. To integrate the new generation capacity required to meet this growth, Hydro‑Québec must continue to develop its transmission system.

This project is essential to the continued development of eastern Québec’s wind power potential and will help improve grid reliability and resilience as weather events become increasingly intense.

Studies and consultations

As part of its public participation process, Hydro‑Québec is presenting the proposed substation site, which was selected based on environmental, social, technical and economic criteria. To identify the site, Hydro‑Québec worked closely with regional stakeholders. It also considered the concerns and comments expressed during previous consultation activities.

Proposed location

At the outset of the project, Hydro‑Québec defined a study area to determine the location with the least impact in the MRCs of Témiscouata and Rivière‑du‑Loup. Located near the existing lines, the area was thoroughly assessed to determine potential sites for the new substation.

Following an analysis of the sites and consultations with regional representatives, Hydro‑Québec selected a preferred location on public land in the municipality of Saint‑Honoré‑de‑Témiscouata. The proposed site is located 750 m from the 315‑kV line that connects Rivière‑du‑Loup and Madawaska substations, west of Autoroute 85. Covering an area of approximately 335 m by 470 m, the new substation will house switchgear and protection equipment.

See map [PDF 1.8 MB megabyte – in French only]

Integrated Enhancement Program Powering communities

Hydro‑Québec believes that its power transmission facilities (lines and substations) should blend harmoniously into their environment. Through its Integrated Enhancement Program (IEP), Hydro‑Québec grants eligible organizations funding to enable them to carry out initiatives in which local residents have had a say.

For over 30 years, the IEP has helped develop, maintain, repair and enhance communities. Thanks to this program, more people are playing, skating, cycling, reading, laughing, and gathering across Québec. See for yourself!

Discover the Program

Project schedule

This schedule is preliminary; dates may be adjusted as needed. See our page on key project stages to learn more about our structured process.

  1. 2024‑2027

    Draft‑design phase: Technical studies, environmental assessment and public consultation

  2. 2027‑2029

    Government approvals

  3. 2028‑2030

    Preparatory work: Clearing, earthwork and access road construction

  4. 2030‑2032

    Construction of the substation

    Connection and commissioning of the substation

  5. 2034

    Connection to the feeder line at Appalaches substation

Substations: Essential hubs

What’s an electrical substation and how does it work?

Navigate between tabs with the right and left arrow keys, then access the content with the tab key

Explore an electrical substation. See the vital role it plays in transmitting and distributing power from the generating station to the home.

Running time: 5 minutes [in French only]

Documentation

Contact us

We’re committed to keeping the lines of communication open. Please send us your questions and comments about the project.

Info‑Project Line: 1 866 388‑1978

Ariane Doucet‑Michaud

Advisor – Regional Affairs

affairesregionales@hydroquebec.com

Pierre‑Antoine Morin

Advisor – First Nations and Inuit Relations

morin.pierre-antoine@hydroquebec.com

Further reading