(Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir)
(File Photo)
With word the target date of completing the Point Lepreau refurbishment by the fall of next year is being called ""unrealistic"", Energy Minister Jack Keir is speaking out on the subject. He says technical issues continue to pop up on site with no solutions.
The cost of replacement power during the refurbishment is one million dollar per day and AECL admits they didn't do enough prep work at the start to over-come these problems. Keir is quick to point out the three per cent rate hike from NB Power set to be reviewed by the Energy and Utilities Board next month has nothing to do with the cost overruns of the refurbishment. Another rate hike of 3 per cent is expected when the nuclear plant is back on line.
