Toshiba Brings Gas Insulated Transformer Installation to North America for Toronto Hydro

Toshiba International Corporation, HOUSTON, TX—October 7, 2013—Toshiba International Corporation (TIC), a global leader in power transmission and distribution, will soon contribute to meeting the growing energy demand of Toronto. Toronto Hydro-Electric System’s (Toronto Hydro) innovative underground transformer station will include Toshiba Gas Insulated Transformers (GITs), the first underground GITs installed in North America, to serve the load of the downtown Toronto core.

“Toshiba has a history of innovation in Transmission & Distribution, and the Gas Insulated Transformer is the future of urban power distribution,” said Russ Yetter, North American Sales Manager for the TIC Transmission & Distribution Division. “With a growing base of more than 700 GITs installed worldwide, Toshiba provides a safer and less intrusive solution ideal for urban environments.”

Toronto Hydro broke ground on the $195 million Clare R. Copeland Transformer Station in May. Named after former Toronto Hydro chairman, the station is needed to relieve the existing, nearby, Windsor Transformer Station currently saddled at 92 percent capacity. The three-story underground station will be adjacent to the historic John Street Roundhouse and is expected to be fully operational by end of 2014.

“We are pleased to proceed with this urgently needed project to relieve strained electrical infrastructure downtown while ensuring compatibility with an architectural landmark unique to Toronto,” said Tom Odell, Capital Projects and Electric Vehicles Manager at Toronto Hydro.

Toshiba GITs are one of the most technologically advanced solutions for hydro-power and underground substations, densely populated cities, and offshore substations. The traditionally hazardous oil insulation has been replaced with SF6 gas to offer a safer, more environmentally conscious, and more economical transformer to overcome sharp increases in today’s demand for electric power. The SF6 gas is non-flammable, eliminating the risk of fire and reducing safety costs associated with otherwise required fire extinguishing and oil collection systems.

With global experience in product development, engineering and construction, Toshiba provides a full range of energy services up to and including full turnkey project delivery. The TIC Transmission & Distribution Division offers a comprehensive array of HV products such as Gas Insulated Substations, Gas Circuit Breakers, Disconnect Switches and Power Transformers. All products offered are internationally accredited with Type Test Certificates conforming to IEC/ANSI standards and safety. Toshiba’s commitment to quality, safety and reliability gives strength in achieving a foothold in the competitive global HV power equipment market.