Residents of Saint John and the surrounding region will soon see increased activity at the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (PLNGS). NB Power has announced a comprehensive planned maintenance outage scheduled to begin on Friday, April 10, 2026. This proactive measure is part of the utility’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the station continues to operate safely, reliably, and efficiently for all New Brunswickers.

Scope of the 2026 Maintenance Project

Planned outages are a critical component of operating a nuclear facility, allowing crews to inspect and service equipment that is completely inaccessible while the station is actively generating power. This year’s outage is particularly extensive, with an expected duration of 119 days.

During this period, highly skilled teams will execute more than 20,000 individual tasks. The comprehensive scope of work includes detailed equipment inspections, pump and motor maintenance, and rigorous electrical system testing. Additionally, NB Power is using this downtime to advance preliminary work related to potential future isotope production at the station.

The massive undertaking will require a coordinated effort between regular plant staff and specialized contractors. This influx of workers is expected to provide a notable boost to the local Saint John and provincial economy, reinforcing NB Power’s role in supporting local suppliers and jobs.

Ensuring Reliable Energy for New Brunswick

While the Point Lepreau station is offline, NB Power has assured customers that their electricity service will not be interrupted. The utility will rely on a diverse mix of generation resources across the province to meet energy demands during the 119-day period.

“This outage represents a significant investment in the future of Point Lepreau,” stated Steve Bagshaw, Chief Nuclear Officer and Site Vice President. “Completing this important work today helps strengthen performance, sustain reliability and manage costs over time. It’s about delivering safe, clean, reliable energy that supports long term affordability for our customers.”

Operating since 1983, PLNGS remains a cornerstone of New Brunswick’s clean energy mix. For more details on the maintenance project, you can read the full announcement on the NB Power website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the planned maintenance outage begin?

The outage is scheduled to begin on Friday, April 10, 2026, and is expected to last for 119 days.

Will my power go out during this maintenance period?

No. NB Power will utilize a diverse mix of other generation resources across the province to ensure that customers continue to receive reliable electricity without interruption.

What kind of work is being done at Point Lepreau?

Crews will complete over 20,000 tasks, including detailed safety inspections, pump and motor maintenance, electrical system testing, and preparatory work for potential future isotope production.

How does this impact the local economy?

The outage requires specialized contractors in addition to regular plant staff. The majority of station expenditures go to employees, contractors, and suppliers who live and operate right here in New Brunswick, providing a significant economic boost to the region.