The Ontario government says the Bruce Nuclear Refurbishment Project is ahead of schedule and under budget.

But where is the evidence?

After making similar claims about the Darlington Nuclear Refurbishment Project – despite the fact that it is actually over-budget and behind schedule – the government is now making the same claims about Bruce. Yet it has not released the information needed to verify them.

Here’s what we know.

What Was Promised?

In December 2015, the Kathleen Wynne government approved the refurbishment of six of the Bruce Nuclear Station’s eight reactors.

At the time, the Ministry of Energy estimated the project would:

  • Cost approximately $13 billion
  • Produce electricity at an average price of 7.7 cents per kWh over the life of Bruce Power’s contract

As of April 1, 2026, however, Bruce Power’s electricity price had already risen to 12.1 cents per kWh. That’s 36% higher than the price Ontario recently agreed to pay for new wind and solar power (8.9 cents per kWh).

Do the Timeline Claims Add Up?

In his June 8, 2026 news release, Energy Minister Stephen Lecce said Bruce Power’s Unit 3 refurbishment was completed seven months ahead of schedule.

But according to page 49 of Bruce Power’s 2015 refurbishment contract, Unit 3 was originally scheduled to return to service in June 2026, not January 2027.

Minister Lecce also said the refurbishment was completed under budget. However, the government has not released:

  • The original budget for refurbishing Unit 3
  • The final cost of refurbishing Unit 3
  • An updated estimate of the total cost of the Bruce Nuclear Refurbishment Project

Without this information, Ontarians have no way to verify the government’s claims.

Why It Matters

Ontario families and businesses will ultimately pay for these projects through their hydro bills.

If the Bruce refurbishment is truly ahead of schedule and under budget, the government should release the numbers.

What You Can Do

Please contact Energy Minister Stephen Lecce and ask him to publicly release:

  • The latest estimate of the total cost of the Bruce Nuclear Refurbishment Project.
  • The original budget and final cost of refurbishing Bruce Power’s Unit 3 reactor.
  • The latest estimate of Bruce Power’s average electricity price over the remaining life of its contract.

Ontarians deserve transparency about projects that will affect their electricity bills for decades to come.

Recent News