The Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station (PLNGS) has officially returned to operation as of August 19, 2026, marking the successful completion of a major planned maintenance outage. This critical facility, located just outside Saint John, New Brunswick, is a cornerstone of the province’s energy grid.

Extensive Maintenance and Upgrades

During the planned outage, NB Power employees and specialized contractors safely executed more than 20,000 individual tasks. This intensive period allowed workers to maintain and upgrade equipment that is inaccessible while the reactor is active.

Key maintenance activities included:

• Inspection, testing, and replacement of critical equipment such as pumps, motors, and electrical systems.
• Replacement of vertical flux detectors and the generator rotor retaining ring.
• Comprehensive steam generator cleaning.
• A full reactor building integrity test.

Commitment to Safety and Reliability

Steve Bagshaw, Chief Nuclear Officer and Site Vice President, emphasized the importance of the work completed. “Safety and quality are at the heart of how we operate every day, and they guided every decision throughout this outage,” Bagshaw stated. He noted that the maintenance and component replacements will strengthen the station’s reliability and position Point Lepreau for continued high performance in the coming years.

Planned outages are a standard and vital part of operating nuclear facilities, ensuring all equipment meets rigorous safety and operational requirements while supporting long-term affordability for New Brunswick customers.

About Point Lepreau

Operating since 1983, the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station boasts a net capacity of 660 megawatts. It plays a massive role in New Brunswick’s energy security and economy, having supplied approximately one-third of the electricity used in the province in 2025. For more details on this update, you can read the official NB Power press release.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station return to service?

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

What kind of work was performed during the outage?

Workers completed over 20,000 tasks, including the inspection, maintenance, and replacement of critical systems like pumps, motors, vertical flux detectors, and the generator rotor retaining ring.

How important is Point Lepreau to New Brunswick’s power grid?

Very important. With a capacity of 660 megawatts, the station supplied about one-third of the province’s electricity in 2025, providing safe, reliable, and clean energy.