In 2021, NB Power applied to renew its Power Reactor Operating Licence (PROL), which is issued by an independent federal nuclear regulator, the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC). NB Power took part in a two-part public hearing process which began in early 2022. The hearings were open to the public and streamed live on the CNSC website.

NB Power had applied for a 25-year operating licence, which aligns with the remainder of the current anticipated operating life of the station and is consistent with international regulatory best practices with respect to longer term and "life cycle" station licensing. No matter the duration of the licence granted, there will be no change to NB Power's long-standing commitment to open and transparent communications with First Nations communities and members of the public. We continue to deliver a comprehensive public information program that offers various opportunities for the public to provide input, ask questions and seek information about the safety, operational and environmental performance of the station. Above all, we maintain NB Power's continued commitment to ensuring safety is always our top priority.

Read more about the CNSC’s licence renewal application process for Point Lepreau here. 

The CNSC assessed the licence application to ensure that the safety measures meet the regulatory requirements and that necessary safety measures and equipment are in place to protect the employees, public and the environment.

Part 1 of the hearing took place in for January 2022.

Part 2 of the hearing took place in May 2022. During Part 2 registered intervenors had the opportunity to make presentations to the CNSC Commission.

On June 22, 2023, the CNSC announced its decision to renew NB Power’s PROL for a period of 10 years.  For more information on the decision, please consult this release from the CNSC.

For more information contact Kathleen Duguay, Manager of Community Affairs and Nuclear Regulatory Protocol at (506) 659-6433 or by email at KDuguay@nbpower.com

Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station Information Sessions

On December 14, 2021, NB Power hosted a virtual information session about the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station operation and its licence renewal application. The presentation is available for viewing below.