Yesterday, Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced the installation of a new water spillway to improve safety and replacement of the smallest generator at its historic Ranney Falls Generating Station in the Campbellford area.

Replacing the existing century-old unit was a necessary economic decision for the company. The station refurbishment will cost approximately $25 million. The new generator is a modern 10 megawatt unit, which will more than double the station’s capacity.

Ontario Power Generation Inc--OPG Ranney Falls Generating Statio
OPG’s Ranney Falls Generating Station undergoes refurbishment. Photo Courtesy: OPG.

“We’re proud of our role as stewards of heritage assets,” said Mike Martelli, OPG’s president of renewable generation and power marketing. “Ranney Falls is the next in a long line of OPG hydroelectric stations to be refurbished and upgraded. Electricity customers will benefit from this investment for generations.”

OPG expects that the new generating unit is expected to be operational in 2020 and will extend the station’s generation life into the 22nd century.

“The Ranney Falls Generating Station is continuing its century’s old legacy of hydroelectric excellence,” said Lou Rinaldi, MPP for Northumberland—Quinte West. “This new generator will breathe new life and double its generating capacity. We are committed to maximizing our hydroelectric resources across the province and today’s announcement is an excellent example of that plan.”

OPG’s Ranney Falls Generating Station was built in 1922 by OPG’s predecessor, The Hydroelectric Power Commission of Ontario. The utility operates 66 hydroelectric stations with 29, small green power hydroelectric plants and 241 dams on 24 river systems. Hydroelectric generation accounts for one-third of OPG’s production, and produced 30.4 terawatt hours in 2015.

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