Hearing Begins for OPG's Pickering Nuclear Station
Pickering powers the environment and the economy while saving customers money
TORONTO, April 4, 2018 /CNW/ - The hearing for Ontario Power Generation's (OPG) application to the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) to renew the operating licence for Pickering Nuclear Generating Station (GS) gets underway today. Continuing Pickering's operations until 2024 will benefit Ontario's electricity customers, the environment and the economy.
"Pickering provides a safe, clean and reliable source of baseload electricity, and its continued operations will save up to $600 million for Ontario electricity customers," said Glenn Jager, President Nuclear and Chief Nuclear Officer at OPG. "Pickering provides up to 14 per cent of the electricity our province needs each day with almost no carbon emissions."
"Keeping the Pickering Generating Station operating until 2024 makes sense for Pickering and it makes sense for Ontario," said Tracy MacCharles, MPP for Pickering—Scarborough East. "The continued operation of this plant ensures Ontario families and businesses have an affordable and reliable source of clean power while generating over $12.3 billion to Ontario's GDP and supporting 7,500 jobs each year. This is part of our government's plan to support care and opportunity, while producing affordable, reliable and clean energy for the people of Ontario."
Continued operation of Pickering will also benefit the economy. Yesterday, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce released an economic impact study highlighting the additional economic benefits for all of Ontario if Pickering operates until 2024. The main benefits include contributing over 7,500 jobs each year and over $12.3 billion to Ontario's GDP.
"OPG's Pickering station continues to be a fixture of our local economy while safely providing the electricity that Ontario needs," said Mayor Dave Ryan, City of Pickering. "Our City is proud to help power Ontario's economy and be host to a major source of clean electricity that prevents thousands of tonnes of carbon emissions each year."
QUICK FACTS
- Pickering continues to operate safely, efficiently and reliably, producing more electricity in 2017 than in 2016.
- Pickering received the highest possible safety rating from its regulator for two years in a row and all of its units have been upgraded to ensure safe operations.
- Continued operations will prevent 17 million tonnes in carbon emissions – the equivalent of removing 3.4 million cars per year, being released into the environment.
- Operation to 2024 contributes over 7,500 jobs each year and over $12.3 billion to Ontario's GDP.
Today's CNSC hearing in Ottawa is the first part of the relicensing process, with the second part of the hearings being held in the community of Courtice between June 26 and 28. CNSC staff have recommended the approval of the relicensing application.
OPG generates safe, clean, reliable, low-cost power for Ontario. More than 99 per cent of this power is free of smog and carbon emissions. OPG's electricity is priced 40 per cent lower than other generators, which helps moderate customer bills.
SOURCE Ontario Power Generation Inc.
Ontario Power Generation, 416-592-4008 or 1-877-592-4008, Follow us @opg
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