OPG Initiates Extensive Refurbishment of Pickering Nuclear Unit 5
What happened
Pickering Nuclear Generating Station's Unit 5 reactor shut down on September 22, 2026, marking the start of a lengthy overhaul for Canada’s oldest nuclear power plant. All four operational units at the station are scheduled to come offline before September 30 for an extensive, $26.8-billion refurbishment. OPG stated that work on Unit 5 is expected to begin early next year, with the units targeted for return to service between 2031 and 2034.
From theglobeandmail.com
Why it matters
The units produce approximately one-tenth of the province’s electricity. The provincial government anticipates that gas-fired plants will increase their capacity to compensate for the loss. This increased reliance on gas-fired generation, which carries higher marginal costs, is raising concerns about potential increases in wholesale electricity prices for large industrial users.
From theglobeandmail.com
Who's involved
- Ontario Power GenerationOperates the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, which is undergoing a major capacity reduction.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- OntarioSpeculative
The market may face increased wholesale electricity costs due to the reliance on natural gas generation.
How it developed
Newest first. Tap a step to see who reported it.- AMPCO members of a company based in Ontario are lobbying for necessary rate relief.Sub-event
OPG lobbies government for rate relief amid operational issues at Pickering Nuclear Generating Station.1 source
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The entities involved
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Ontario Power Generation
electric utility company
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