Brett Plummer News Today

N.B. Power is suggesting a second refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station might be possible around the year 2041, if an expensive five-year plan to fix ongoing problems from the first refurbishment works out favourably.

In a surprise announcement Friday, N.B. Power president Lori Clark said Brett Plummer, the man bought in to fix operational troubles at the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station eight years ago, is leaving the position almost immediately.

NB Power is replacing its chief nuclear officer and bringing in three employees from Ontario Power Generation in a bid to improve performance at the ailing plant.

The CEO of N.B. Power says it’s too early to tell whether the Energy and Utilities Board would get to scrutinize a potential business deal with an Ontario power utility to help run the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant.

N.B. Power’s vice-president of nuclear power will earn around $1.3 million this year, about 30 per cent more than what the utility said last week. The utility said it was “an honest mistake” when it gave a much lower figure last week.

New Brunswick’s energy minister says N.B. Power would have to justify the high salary paid to its vice-president nuclear if an Ontario company ends up helping run the Point Lepreau power plant.

Premier Blaine Higgs said there are ongoing talks between the utilities that range from advice on maintenance to OPG taking over operations at Point Lepreau.

Premier Blaine Higgs said there are ongoing talks between the utilities that range from advice on maintenance to OPG taking over operations at Point Lepreau.

N.B. Power is negotiating with Ontario Power Generation on what's being called 'a potential partnership' involving the Point Lepreau nuclear generating station that could involve a partial ownership stake.

Premier Blaine Higgs said there are ongoing talks between the utilities that range from advice on maintenance to OPG taking over operations at Point Lepreau.