-- Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is increasing the capacity of two existing hydro electric stations by 8.2 MW, enough new green power to supply about 3,000 Ontario homes annually. The additional capacity from the Healey Falls and McVittie Generating Stations, both EcoLogoM certified facilities, will make use of excess water that is currently diverted around the stations.

"We are leaders in the development of green energy and have the largest supply available to Ontario consumers," said Graham Brown, General Manager of OPG Evergreen Energy, the business unit responsible for developing sources of green power for OPG. "Expanding these facilities will help us achieve our commitment to meet the demands of a growing consumer market for renewable energy."

OPG sells its green power under the brand name EvergreenTM Energy directly to commercial and industrial customers and to energy resellers. It does not market directly to residential consumers. OPG's green power portfolio is made up of energy produced by renewable resources including water, wind, sun, and biomass.

Green power capacity at Healey Falls GS will increase by more than 50 per cent to 17.7 MW through installation of a fourth turbine and other modifications. This plant is located on the Trent River, about eight kilometres north of Campbellford on the Trent-Severn Waterway.

A similar redevelopment program is planned for the McVittie Generating Station, located on the Wanapitei River, about 40km south of Sudbury. A third turbine will be installed to more than double the capacity of this EcoLogoM certified facility to 4.2 MW. Work on McVittie and Healey Falls should be completed by early 2004.

Both projects are subject to environmental regulation by a number of government departments and require several environmental permits. Environmental assessment work has begun and public consultation will be underway shortly.

Last August OPG announced plans for a new 12 MW small hydro station on the English River in Northwestern Ontario. This project remains on schedule for a fall 2003 commissioning date.