Provincial Energy Minister Says Ottawa Is Listening To Idea Of Mediation On Lepreau

With the Point Lepreau refurbishment delayed by at least another year, the Province is looking at mediation to determine who is going pay for the cost overruns.

Energy Minister Jack Keir says they want Ottawa to appoint a mediator to look at the contract to find a way to lessen the burden on provincal taxpayers.

Keir says the Federal Government are listening to them on this idea of mediation.

The refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant is delayed by at least another year, putting the project 2 1/2 years behind schedule.

(Provincial Energy Minister Jack Keir)
(File Photo)

More Delays At Point Lepreau

(Energy Minister Jack Keir)
(File Photo)

The refurbishment of the Point Lepreau nuclear power plant is delayed by at least another year, putting the project 2 1/2 years behind schedule.

The latest delay today is caused by problems sealing the ends of tubes inside the reactor.

Energy Minister Jack Keir tells us he wants an independent mediation process with Ottawa to examine the contract and decide who pays for the cost overruns. 

He says of the 380 tubes-- 80 failed the pressure test, 80 passed and 220 haven't been tested yet.

Premier Graham On Second Reactor

Cautious optimism from Premier Graham concerning a proposal to build a second reactor at Point Lepreau.

Energy Minister Jack Keir met with officials from Areva to explore the possibilities last week and Graham tells Tide News, it's vital the private sector take on the risk and not the rate-payer.


Premier Graham says the next step in the process now is to see if a letter of intent can be signed.