Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station returns to operation

2026-08-20

Point Lepreau (NB) — The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station returned to operation on August 19, 2026, following the completion of its planned maintenance outage focused on supporting the Station’s continued safe, reliable and long-term operation.

During the planned outage, NB Power employees and specialized contractors safely completed more than 20,000 tasks and maintained equipment that cannot be accessed while the Station is operating. Key work included inspection, maintenance, testing and replacement of critical equipment such as pumps, motors, electrical systems and vertical flux detectors, as well as steam generator cleaning, generator rotor retaining ring replacement and the reactor building integrity test.

“Safety and quality are at the heart of how we operate every day, and they guided every decision throughout this outage,” said Steve Bagshaw, Chief Nuclear Officer and Site Vice President. "This outage included important maintenance and component replacement work that strengthens the Station's reliability and positions Point Lepreau for continued performance in the years ahead. The professionalism and expertise shown by our staff and contractor partners has been outstanding, and their commitment contributes to our goal of improving reliability, managing costs and supporting long-term affordability for customers.”

Planned outages are standard for all generating stations and are especially important at nuclear facilities, where equipment must meet rigorous safety and operating requirements. They allow teams to complete inspections, maintenance and testing that support the life of station equipment and help strengthen future reliability.

Costs associated with the outage will be included in NB Power’s annual financial statements, which are publicly available.

About the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station

The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (PLNGS), with a net capacity of 660 megawatts, provides safe, reliable, cost-effective, clean electricity for customers. Operating since 1983, the Station is a cornerstone of the province's electricity system and supports New Brunswick's energy security and economy. In 2025, PLNGS supplied approximately one-third of the electricity used in the province.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Fraser-McAllister - efraser-mcallister@nbpower.com