The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station is officially back online, marking the successful conclusion of a major planned maintenance outage. Returning to operation on August 19, 2026, the facility is once again generating safe, reliable, and clean electricity for New Brunswickers.

A Massive Maintenance Undertaking

Maintaining a nuclear facility requires precision, expertise, and a massive coordinated effort. During this recent planned outage, NB Power employees and specialized contractors safely executed more than 20,000 individual tasks. These outages are crucial for accessing and servicing equipment that cannot be reached while the reactor is active.

Key maintenance activities included the inspection, testing, and replacement of critical infrastructure such as pumps, motors, electrical systems, and vertical flux detectors. The team also completed steam generator cleaning, replaced the generator rotor retaining ring, and conducted a thorough reactor building integrity test.

Commitment to Safety and Reliability

Planned outages are a standard and vital part of operating any generating station, particularly nuclear facilities which are subject to rigorous safety and operational standards. These proactive measures extend the lifespan of the station’s equipment and bolster future reliability for the province’s energy grid.

“Safety and quality are at the heart of how we operate every day, and they guided every decision throughout this outage,” stated Steve Bagshaw, Chief Nuclear Officer and Site Vice President. “This outage included important maintenance and component replacement work that strengthens the Station’s reliability and positions Point Lepreau for continued performance in the years ahead. The professionalism and expertise shown by our staff and contractor partners has been outstanding, and their commitment contributes to our goal of improving reliability, managing costs and supporting long-term affordability for customers.”

Powering New Brunswick

Operating since 1983, the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station is a cornerstone of New Brunswick’s electricity system. With a net capacity of 660 megawatts, the station plays a massive role in the region’s energy security and economy. In fact, in 2025, the facility supplied approximately one-third of all the electricity used in the province.

For more information on the station’s return to service, you can read the full press release on the NB Power website.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Point Lepreau station return to service?

The station officially returned to operation on August 19, 2026, after completing its planned maintenance outage.

What kind of work was completed during the outage?

Workers completed over 20,000 tasks, including the inspection, maintenance, and replacement of critical equipment like pumps, motors, and electrical systems, as well as steam generator cleaning and a reactor building integrity test.

How much electricity does Point Lepreau generate for the province?

The station has a net capacity of 660 megawatts. In 2025, it supplied approximately one-third of the electricity used in New Brunswick.