Montréal, March 27, 2026

Hydro-Québec to reinforce the grid and increase capacity at Saint-Jean substation

Montréal - Hydro-Québec has launched a major project to increase capacity at Saint-Jean substation in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. The work will help meet the rising electricity demand in Montréal’s West Island while helping to improve service quality.

Work to convert the substation—which currently serves some households and businesses in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Pointe-Claire, Kirkland and Beaconsfield—to 315/25 kV began in 2021. In light of the area’s growing population and ongoing development, a strategic infrastructure upgrade is essential to ensure system reliability and performance.

A key project for Montréal’s West Island

As part of Hydro-Québec’s strategy to upgrade the power grid and implement its Action Plan 2035—whose focus is improving service quality—the project will substantially increase capacity at Saint-Jean substation.

Most of the work will be carried out on land belonging to Hydro-Québec. However, both for safety reasons and to optimize traffic flow, two adjacent municipal lots will be used for materials storage, site access and construction staff parking.

Work ongoing through 2030

The work is expected to span about four years.

2026 and 2027

Dismantling of old equipment and installing new 315/25-kV equipment
Addition of 315/25-kV conversion equipment and capacitor banks

2028 to 2030

Addition of a third 315/25-kV transformer and capacitor banks, as well as expansion of the control building
Connection of multiple underground distribution lines to supply the West Island

2030

Gradual commissioning of the new equipment

Once work is complete, the thousands of residential and business customers served by the substation will enjoy a more robust and reliable electricity supply.

Keeping the lines open

Hydro-Québec is working closely with the municipalities and local stakeholders impacted by the project.

"We will be working with the community to deliver this vital project and improve service quality in the West Island. Maintaining an open dialogue with the public and local partners will remain a key priority as the project moves forward.”

Marie-Noëlle Roy
Manager – Regional Affairs – Montréal, Laval and the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal