OPG’s nuclear, hydroelectric and fossil generating stations delivered solid performance in 2008, producing 107.8 TWh of electricity – representing over 70 percent of the electricity consumed in Ontario. Strong nuclear and hydroelectric output, supported by production from our reliable fossil-fuelled plants, drove performance during the year.

Nuclear: OPG’s nuclear stations are the backbone of Ontario’selectricity system, accounting for almost one-third of the energy used in 2008 by the Province. Our nuclear stations had a strong year in 2008, generating more than 48 TWh of electricity that has virtually no emissions that contribute to smog or climate change. Despite some challenging forced outages which impacted output, this was the highest nuclear production level in the company’s history from its existing nuclear fleet. Individual nuclear units also delivered strong performance – with five of OPG’s 10 operating units achieving unit capability factors of over 90 percent.

In addition, Darlington, Pickering B and the Pickering Nuclear Waste Management Facility had their operating licences renewed by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). These licences are for the maximum length of time granted by the CNSC. This is a strong testament to the safe and effective operation of our nuclear stations by OPG’s experienced nuclear staff.

OPG’s nuclear operations also received positive assessments from the internationally recognized nuclear safety organization, the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). In July, a team from WANO visited Pickering B for more than a week. While noting a need for improvement in some areas, the WANO team commented on the station’s progress in safety culture, preventive maintenance and leadership alignment. Later in the year, a second WANO team reviewed the corporate functions that support OPG’s nuclear operations. The WANO team identified a number of key strengths, including staffing and hiring, contract management and leadership, and management development. WANO also pointed out opportunities for improvement which OPG will be addressing in 2009.