The Ontario government is supporting Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) $1 billion investment to refurbish eight hydroelectric generating stations in Eastern Ontario. This initiative will secure 1617MW of clean electricity, enough to power 1.6 million homes, meeting the growing demand for electrification and supporting the province’s growth.
“Hydroelectric generating stations in Eastern Ontario have been providing the province with clean electricity for a century, and with today’s investment, we’re extending the life of these eight stations for decades more to help Ontario meet its growing electricity needs,” said Stephen Lecce, Minister of Energy and Electrification. “This investment and expansion – part of our Powering Ontario’s Growth plan – will create 500 new good-paying jobs and ensure families in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario have access to affordable power now and into the future. Our government will continue to support affordable energy expansion, while continuing to oppose the regressive federal carbon tax.”
The refurbishment will involve 45 units across the Arnprior, Barrett Chute, Mountain Chute, Stewartville, Chats Falls, Chenaux, Des Joachims, and Otto Holden stations, aiming to increase production by up to 100 gigawatt hours per year, which is equivalent to powering over 11,000 homes.
Heather Ferguson, Senior Vice President of Business Development and Corporate Affairs at Ontario Power Generation (OPG), highlighted the benefits: “The beauty of renewable hydro power is its durability and flexibility. It also plays a valuable role ensuring grid reliability. This significant investment will enhance efficiencies, create hundreds of skilled jobs in Eastern Ontario, and ensure our stations meet energy demands for decades to come.”
Goldie Ghamari, MPP for Carleton, emphasized the local impact: “This critical investment in our people and communities will bring good-paying jobs to the Ottawa region while ensuring the hydro stations’ legacy of supplying clean power for another 30 years. These refurbishments will help secure clean, green power we need to fuel our growing economy and support the hardworking families of this region.”
This investment is part of the broader “Powering Ontario’s Growth” plan, which includes initiatives such as advancing nuclear energy, acquiring 4,000 MW of electricity generation and storage, prioritizing new transmission lines, and launching new energy efficiency programs. The goal is to expand Ontario’s clean, reliable, and affordable energy grid while reducing emissions.
