Below is the full text of the government's release as
well as the Bruce Power media release.
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Ministry of Energy Ministère de l'Énergie
For immediate release
September 8, 2004
McGUINTY GOVERNMENT TO BEGIN NEGOTIATIONS
TO RESTART TWO UNITS AT BRUCE POWER
Agreement Could Bring Additional 1,540 MW of Electricity Generating Capacity On-Line
QUEEN'S PARK – The McGuinty Government today announced it was taking decisive action to address Ontario's electricity needs by beginning discussions with Bruce Power to restart the remaining two units at Bruce Power's nuclear facility in Kincardine.
"The potential restart of Units 1 and 2 at the Bruce facility would result in an additional 1,540 megawatts (MW) of electricity generating capacity, which is enough to power over one million homes across Ontario. Restarting these units would also potentially replace over 20 per cent of our current coal capacity and related harmful emissions, which means cleaner air and a better quality of life for Ontarians," said Energy Minister Dwight Duncan.
There are eight nuclear reactors at Bruce Power's facility. Bruce A Unit 3 was returned to service after refurbishment in 2003, followed by Unit 4 in 2004. All four Bruce B units are also operational.
The restart of the two units at Bruce Power would represent another significant step toward meeting the government's commitment to replace coal-fired generation in Ontario. In recent weeks, the government has sought proposals for 300 MW of clean, renewable electricity, and for 2,500 MW of new electricity generation capacity and/or conservation measures. Further, the government also recently announced the refurbishment of Pickering A, Unit 1, which will provide an additional 515 MW of electricity generating capacity by late 2005.
The government has engaged David Santangeli to develop and lead a commercially oriented team which will advise the government on the potential for negotiating an agreement with Bruce and manage any subsequent negotiations process. Mr. Santangeli is a managing director of Energy Fundamentals Group Inc. (EFG), an investment firm specializing in the energy infrastructure sector. Over the past several months, EFG has been assisting the government with various electricity supply options.
The McGuinty government is committed to protecting the interests of Ontarians by making positive changes to Ontario's electricity sector. These changes are aimed at creating a conservation culture and a cleaner Ontario, while ensuring a reliable, sustainable and diverse supply of competitively priced power for the province.
For immediate release
Bruce Power welcomes appointment of provincial negotiator
TIVERTON, ON – Sept. 8, 2004 – The appointment of a provincial negotiator to discuss the potential restart of Bruce A Units 1 and 2 is an important step in the company's ongoing feasibility study, says Bruce Power's Chief Executive Officer.
"Since February, we've been performing detailed technical evaluations of these units knowing that any decision will ultimately hinge upon understanding the marketplace in which we sell our power," Duncan Hawthorne said of the Ontario government naming David Santangeli as a special negotiator to work with Bruce Power.
"The potential restart of Units 1 and 2 is a major decision for Bruce Power and our partners. As such, we're pleased the government has acknowledged our need to discuss this further and look forward to working with Mr. Santangeli."
Mr. Santangeli is a managing director of Energy Fundamentals Group Inc. (EFG), an investment firm specializing in the energy infrastructure sector. As the government's special negotiator, he will advise the government on the potential for negotiating an agreement with Bruce Power for additional electricity supply. In addition, he will manage any subsequent negotiations.
Following the successful restart of Bruce A Units 3 and 4, Bruce Power began reviewing the technical aspects of refurbishing Units 1 and 2 and returning another 1,500 MW of clean electricity to an Ontario market in need of additional generation.
Since then, crews have been evaluating the condition of the units to fully understand the project scope and working with potential contractors to ensure certainty of cost and schedule. Originally placed in service in 1977, Units 1 and 2 were laid up in 1995 and 1997 by the site's former operators.
"The return to service of Bruce A Units 3 and 4 have already provided some short-term relief for the Ontario market," Hawthorne said. "By creating Bill 100, the government is addressing the need for a long-term plan. We support that view and know that returning Units 1 and 2 would go a long way towards satisfying the province's future energy needs."
About Bruce
Power
One of
Ontario's largest independent power generators, Bruce Power is a partnership
among Cameco Corporation (31.6%), TransCanada Corporation (31.6%), BPC
Generation Infrastructure Trust, a trust established by the Ontario Municipal
Employees Retirement System (31.6%), the Power Workers' Union (4%) and The
Society of Energy Professionals (1.2%).
For further information, please
contact:
Steve
Cannon
519-361-6559
steve.cannon@brucepower.com
24-hour Duty Media Officer
519-361-6161