OPG’s Auburn Generating Station celebrates 110 years of clean power
On the Otonabee River in the heart of Peterborough sits one of the province’s oldest power stations, OPG’s Auburn Generating Station (GS).
Celebrating its 110th year in service, Auburn GS continues to churn clean electricity for the province from a powerhouse that has changed very little since it first went into operation way back in 1911.
The three-unit, two-megawatt station is a living example of the early period of large-scale hydro power development in Ontario, and reflects the long, reliable legacy of OPG’s hydro fleet.
“For the most part, Auburn GS retains much of its original site plan, layout, and equipment,” said Ed Loghrin, Manager for OPG’s Campbellford Work Centre. “The station really is a time capsule of Ontario’s hydro development in the early 20th century.”
While Auburn GS has undergone repairs and modifications over the years, it retains many pieces of original equipment still running today, including the generators and turbines.
“The station really is a time capsule of Ontario’s hydro development in the early 20th century.”Ed Loghrin, Manager for OPG’s Campbellford Work Centre
The interior of the powerhouse also includes room for a fourth generating unit, as was originally specified for future expansion.
Plans for the station began in 1910, after the Electric Power Company purchased the Auburn Power Company, including the water rights of the Auburn Woollen Mills Company. Work commenced in October that year, with the first two units going online in 1911. In 1916, OPG’s predecessor, the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario, acquired the station.
In the early years, the station supplied electricity to Peterborough and its surrounding area, helping to power the local railway company, paper mills, and drive the region’s economic growth.
To ensure reliable operations, OPG continues regular maintenance and ongoing capital project investments in the facility.
Auburn GS is one of many sites OPG is currently reviewing for potential redevelopment as it is reaching its end-of-service. The redevelopment would further utilize the available water to allow OPG to increase the output of this facility, which would help the company and the province reach its net-zero carbon goals.
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