Ontario Construction New staff writer
The Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) will receive about $1 billion from the province to refurbish eight hydroelectric generating stations in Eastern Ontario. New infrastructure would secure 1,617 megawatts (MW) of clean electricity generation, equivalent to powering 1.6 million homes, helping to meet increasing demand from electrification and fueling the province’s growth.
“Hydroelectric generating stations in Eastern Ontario have been providing the province with clean electricity for a century, and with today’s investment, we’re extending the life of these eight stations for decades more to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “This investment and expansion – part of our Powering Ontario’s Growth plan – will create 500 new good-paying jobs and ensure families in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario have access to affordable power now and into the future.
“Our government will continue to support affordable energy expansion, while continuing to oppose the regressive federal carbon tax.”
OPG plans to refurbish 45 units at the Arnprior, Barrett Chute, Mountain Chute, Stewartville, Chats Falls, Chenaux, Des Joachims, and Otto Holden stations. Work includes major rehabilitation of generating equipment to increase production. Once completed, the stations are expected to produce up to 100 gigawatt hours of additional clean electricity each year, equivalent to powering over 11,000 homes.
“This critical investment in our people and communities will bring good-paying jobs to the Ottawa region while ensuring the hydro stations’ legacy of supplying clean power for another 30 years,” said Goldie Ghamari, MPP Carleton. “These refurbishments will help secure clean, green power we need to fuel our growing economy and support the hardworking families of this region.”