Power Workers' Congratulate Bruce Power and Hydro One For Project Accomplishments

TORONTO, Oct. 17, 2012 /CNW/ - Bruce Power and Hydro One achieved major milestones with the return to service of Unit 2 at the Bruce Nuclear Station and the new high voltage Bruce to Milton transmission line, says the Power Workers' Union.

"Both companies deserve to be congratulated for completing these very complex projects that will deliver major benefits for Ontario's environment and continuing economic growth," said Don MacKinnon, President of the Union.

The Bruce Units 1 and 2 were laid up in a safe shutdown state in 1997 and 1995 respectively.  Unit 1 returned to service last month.  The successful return to service of these two refurbished 750 MW units required the planning, integration and execution of millions of complex tasks.   This multi-unit and multi-billion dollar program involving the replacement and upgrading of major reactor components was a first of its kind effort worldwide and one of Canada's largest infrastructure projects.

"Bruce Power delivered the leadership, planning and teamwork.   This creates investor confidence that is so critical to making a project happen," said MacKinnon. "Now Ontario consumers can look forward to 25 more years of safe, reliable, affordable, greenhouse gas emission free electricity."

The successful completion of the second, double circuit 180 kilometre 500 kilovolt transmission line from Bruce to Milton by Hydro One will help deliver power from the Bruce Nuclear Complex to Ontario consumers.

MacKinnon noted that siting new generation and transmission facilities anywhere in Ontario has become increasingly challenging given community concerns and multiple approval requirements.  Re-investing in existing generation facilities and paralleling existing transmission lines should always be the first consideration.

"The collective contribution of thousands of highly skilled workers from both companies and the supporting construction trades needs to be recognized too.  Their dedication to working safely and productively made these major successes possible", concluded MacKinnon.

The Power Workers' Union is the largest electricity union in Ontario, representing employees in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, regulation and research and development.

SOURCE: Power Workers' Union

John Sprackett, Power Workers' Union (416-322-4787), [email protected]