The utility said that availability factors remained at historically high levels, and that unregulated hydro output helped to partly offset the fall in production at its Pickering A nuclear power station.
It added that over the nine months to September the hydro sector continued to improve in terms of production and reliability compared to the same period in 2006. However, financial performance for the group overall was down due to Pickering A.
Capital investment in hydro was focused on building the 10.4km long Niagara tunnel to increase flows to the Sir Adam Beck stations at Niagara Falls. By the end of the quarter the tunnel boring machine (TBM) had excavated approximately 10% of the tunnel, progress being slower than expected due to rock fissures.
The utility added that uncertainty remained with the construction schedule until the TBM had passed the zone, some 2.3km into the tunnel. However, it added that the construction budget was not expected to be exceeded due to the difficulties.
In other capital works, Ontario Power has rescheduled the completion of the 12.5MW Lac Seul plant to Q2 2008 though costs are contained, it added.
