Chapleau's selling its local utility.
Hydro One Networks and Chapleau Public Utilities Corporation have announced a definitive agreement for Hydro One to acquire Chapleau Hydro's distribution business to serve electricity customers in the Township of Chapleau - the agreement for "substantially all of Chapleau Hydro's electricity distribution assets" will see Hydro One pay about $2.3-million "subject to adjustments".
According to a joint release, the Township of Chapleau plans to use proceeds from the sale to "invest in critical core community services including the Township's water plant, fire services, and airport".
Hydro One took over day-to-day operations for Chapleau Hydro in June, amid staffing shortages at the local utility, as the Ontario Energy Board issued Hydro One an interim licence to operate Chapleau Hydro's distribution business for the next six months, during which time Chapleau Hydro and the Township of Chapleau would "evaluate longer term options to continue to provide excellent electricity distribution services in Chapleau", including selling the distribution business - a request to extend that license has been submitted to the OEB, which must also approve the acquisition - Hydro One plans to file an application on that by the end of 2023.
No changes are currently expected for electricity service for Chapleau Hydro customers.