A longstanding energy connection between the US and Canada is being updated today. For 100 years, towers stood at the foot of Busti Avenue, supporting power lines connecting National Grid and the Canadian Niagara Power company in Fort Erie. The towers were replaced last year, and the new power lines are being put into place this morning. CNP spokesperson Kristine Carmichael explains the importance of the cross-border connection.
"Canadian Niagara Power had an interconnect to National Grid, and we had to decommission it. So, we are in the process of rebuilding that interconnect, and it provides an alternate supply of 155 KV power. So, in the event that there was a power failure, we'd be able to get power from the US side. And it's a strategic asset, and there could be other uses for it in the future."
A helicopter will string 5 power lines across the river. The operation was postponed from yesterday because predictions of heavy snow in some regions diverted the attention of necessary emergency crews.
Portions of the I-190 near the Peace Bridge will be intermittently closed through the morning.
The project should wrap up around 11 AM
.
