NB Power and Ontario Power Generation talk Point Lepreau partnership
NB Power is pitching a new partnership with an Ontario electrical utility, which could include management or ownership of Atlantic Canada’s only nuclear generating plant.
The Maritime utility is confirming discussions with Ontario Power Generation (OPG) about the possibility of sharing duties at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station, 35 minutes west of Saint John.
“All possible options are being considered as we lay out a path for a very different future that will ensure we have affordable, safe and reliable electricity for our customers and improved financial health,” said NB Power spokesperson Dominique Couture in a written statement.
“While this partnership is still at the exploration stage, we have a long-standing relationship with OPG, and we know them to be good partners, allies and colleagues. Any partnership would be a win-win relationship, established in the best interests of both Ontario and New Brunswick.”
NB Power and Ontario Power Generation are both provincial crown corporations. OPG operates two of Ontario’s three nuclear generating plants.
Premier Blaine Higgs said discussions between NB Power and OPG could include a management or ownership agreement at Point Lepreau.
NB Power and Higgs’ acknowledgement of discussions between the provinces came after Liberal energy critic Keith Chiasson brought it up during question period on Wednesday morning.
Chiasson referenced a company e-mail from Ontario Power Generation CEO Ken Hartwick, announcing the negotiations to OPG staff.
“The reason I brought it up in the house today was just about transparency,” said Chiasson. “If there are negotiations going on with OPG, I think we should know as stakeholders of NB Power.”
The Point Lepreau CANDU nuclear reactor began producing electricity in 1983. Last summer, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission extended the plant’s operating licence until 2033.
Several breakdowns and cost overruns at Point Lepreau have added to NB Power’s $5 billion debt. NB Power is proposing a rate increase for customers amounting to 4.8 per cent beginning next month, pending approval from the province’s Energy and Utilities Board.
The EUB rejected NB Power’s initial rate increase request of 8.9 per cent.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.