Ontario Power Generation

[DURHAM] - Ontario Power Generation (OPG) continues its tradition of both safe and secure operation and environmental stewardship with the opening of energy-efficient security buildings at its Darlington and Pickering nuclear stations.

At dual grand opening celebrations today, OPG and the Durham Region Police Service (DRPS), who together provide security services for both Darlington and Pickering Nuclear, demonstrated the capabilities of new state-of-the-art security buildings at the two sites. At the same time, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) recognized the buildings for their high standard of energy efficiency.

"OPG has invested more than $300 million in security upgrades in the last five years to ensure the stations, our employees and the public are well protected," said Stan Harvey, OPG Vice-president, Nuclear Security. "The new security buildings at Darlington and Pickering Nuclear enhance the strong security efforts already in place at our facilities."

DRPS Chief of Police Vern White, also present for the ceremonies, said, "These new facilities are the latest example of the high importance both OPG and DRPS place on safety and security. Both organizations are committed to continuous security improvements and training." Chief White added, "DRPS applauds OPG's significant investment. These new structures will enable us to be even more effective in our security efforts."

Some of the features of the two main security buildings and adjacent auxiliary security buildings include: Robust security screening equipment including explosive detecting devices, X-ray machines and metal detectors, along with geometric hand monitors.

In addition to the buildings' security features, OPG is proud of their high environmental standards. Natural Resources Canada awarded OPG a total of $158,486 for the energy-efficient designs which include lighting with occupancy sensors, energy efficient windows and high levels of insulation.

"Canada's New Government is proud to work with companies such as OPG on the innovative design of energy-efficient buildings," said the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. "These facilities will save the company money and will help to clean up our air and make our environment healthier for Canadians."

Mr. Harvey adds, The buildings are expected to realize as much as a 28 per cent savings in energy costs. At OPG we are committed to ensuring our plants are safe and secure. At the same time, we are committed to high standards of environmental practices. These buildings embody both of these values."

Ontario Power Generation is an Ontario-based 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 competitive generation assets, while operating in a safe, open and environmentally responsible manner.

Media contact:
Jacquie McInnes
Ontario Power Generation
(905) 839-1151, ext. 5966 or (905) 244-6670
Jacquie.mcinnes@opg.com

Dave Selby
Corporate Communications Unit, DRPS
905-579-1520, ext. 4277

Ghyslain Charron
Media Relations
Natural Resource Canada
Ottawa
(613) 992-4447