Ontario Power Generation

OPG News Release, August 3, 2006

August 3, 2006

Ontario Power Generation to launch a Federal Environmental Assessment on Refurbishment of Pickering B Nuclear Generating Station

[PICKERING]: Ontario Power Generation announced today it will proceed with an environmental assessment as part of its business case study for a potential refurbishment and life extension of its Pickering B nuclear plant.

Ontario Power Generation (OPG) has received confirmation from the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) that a Federal Environmental Assessment (EA) is required prior to the refurbishment of Pickering B Nuclear Generating Station.

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission will soon release draft guidelines that outline what is to be considered and included in the EA. The results of the EA will be documented in an EA Study Report and made available to the public. It is expected that an EA report could be ready in late 2007.

The EA for life extension of Pickering B will help identify any potentially significant environmental effects and mitigation measures that would be required. The EA will examine:

• the effects of the proposed project on all aspects of the natural and social environment, including cumulative effects;
• effects of potential accidents and malfunctions; and
• effects of the environment on the project.

OPG has initiated an assessment of the feasibility for refurbishing Pickering B to support its continued operation beyond 2015. The assessment will be a systematic, thorough review of the safety, environmental, financial and logistical aspects of refurbishment and continued operation. The review will be considered by OPG's management and Board of Directors, prior to making an investment decision.

"OPG sees environmental assessment as an integral part of developing the scope and business case for life extension consideration," said OPG Chief Nuclear Officer Pierre Charlebois. "The EA process will involve the public and other stakeholders in an open and transparent manner."

The Pickering B nuclear generating station consists of four 516 MW nuclear reactors. It is located in the City of Pickering and has been providing virtually emission-free electricity for the province since 1983. The station currently generates enough electricity to serve a city of one million people. The outputs from OPG's nuclear plants moderate Ontario's electricity price.

Ontario Power Generation Inc. is an Ontario-based electricity generation company whose principal business is the generation and sale of electricity in Ontario. Our focus is on the efficient production and sale of electricity from our generation assets, while operating in a safe, open and environmentally responsible manner.

For more information contact:
Ontario Power Generation Media Relations
(416) 592-4008 or 1-877-592-4008