Hydro making major system improvements

North Bay Hydro announced Tuesday that there are major system improvements on the way for the city.

Chief Operating Officer Todd Wilcox says over the next two years the power provider will invest 15 million dollars replace antiquated equipment with a large portion of the upgrades taking place in the Pinewood area which will impact about 450 homes and businesses. Upgrades will include installing a new substation, new overhead lines, and performing a voltage conversion at O'Brien Street power system.

Letters of explanation have gone out to the affected property owners explaining that there will be work conducted and will involve trenching and restoration on their property. Wilcox says property owners will receive a follow up letter with an exact description and map of the work to be done once the final details are in place.

"We are committed to restoring property to original condition as much as possible to minimize impacts," notes Wilcox.

Wilcox also notes that consumers will not see huge increases to their bills as the project costs are built in to the 40 year life span of the new equipment.