Upper Mattagami- Hound Chute Stations in Service Ahead Of Time and On Budget

New facilities will provide clean, renewable energy for 22,000 homes

TORONTO, Dec. 9 /CNW/ - Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced today that all four stations on the Upper Mattagami - Hound Chute hydro project are in service - close to five months ahead of schedule and on budget.  The new stations make more efficient use of existing water, and will add enough clean, renewable electricity to power over 22,000 homes every year.

"Hydroelectric power has long been a vital part of Ontario's energy system and is a cornerstone of our Long-Term Energy Plan as we expand our renewable energy capacity," said Energy Minister, Brad Duguid. "The Upper Mattagami - Hound Chute projects have been a great boost for the North - bringing good jobs into local communities. Congratulations to OPG for getting these stations online ahead of schedule and on budget.

They will now bring clean, reliable and cost-effective power to families and businesses throughout Ontario," he added.

"OPG and its contractors carefully planned and executed the project which involved building new stations at four existing sites" said Tom Mitchell, President and CEO. "This project is an example of project management at its best.  The work was done safely and according to plan.  Mitchell noted that these plants will continue to provide clean renewable electricity throughout the 21st century.

Sandy Falls Generating Station was the first plant to be completed as part of OPG's larger Upper Mattagami and Hound Chute Project. Lower Sturgeon and Wawaitin were declared in service just over a week ago.  Hound Chute is the final station to be placed in service.

The work on Hound Chute also included the installation of a special water control structure, called an Obermeyer Weir.  Built in consultation with Marsh Bay residents, the weir was installed in 2009 to better regulate water levels on the Montreal River.

The $300 million Upper Mattagami and Hound Chute Project includes redevelopment of the Sandy Falls, Wawaitin, and Lower Sturgeon sites on the upper Mattagami River, and the Hound Chute site on the Montreal River.

In total the Upper Mattagami and Hound Chute Project employed 500 workers at peak including skilled trades, labourers, and engineers. OPG's contractor, Kiewit Alarie Partnership, worked more than one million hours without a lost time incident on the project.

For further information:

OPG Media Relations 1-877-592-4008 or 416-592-4008 www.opg.com