The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) has officially approved Bruce Power’s Unit 5 Major Component Replacement (MCR) Project, marking another milestone in the company’s Life-Extension Program to help secure a clean and reliable energy future for Ontario. The Unit 5 MCR is scheduled to begin in 2026.
According to a media release, the IESO verified that Bruce Power met all necessary terms and conditions outlined in its Basis of Estimate to proceed. This will be Bruce Power’s fourth MCR outage as part of its plan to refurbish Units 3 through 8 over the next eight years.
“Ontario has become a world leader in nuclear power plant refurbishment and, along with our partners and skilled tradespeople, we continue to prove that these complex major projects can be delivered with the highest standards of safety and quality, on time and on budget,” said Eric Chassard, President and CEO of Bruce Power. “Through continued excellence and innovation, we’re helping to drive the economy and produce cancer-fighting medical isotopes. Our nuclear industry is truly a made-in-Ontario and Canadian success story.”
The MCR and broader Life-Extension Program are privately funded and generate more than $10 billion in annual economic activity, supporting 22,000 jobs and hundreds of businesses across the province.
Stephen Lecce, Ontario’s Minister of Energy and Mines, praised the project as a key part of Canada’s energy strategy, particularly in light of ongoing international trade pressures.
“As we stare down President Trump’s tariff threat, I am proud that well over 90 per cent of all materials purchased are stamped with ‘Made in Canada,’ creating over 20,000 jobs for Ontario’s skilled workforce,” he said. “That is why renewing Bruce Power’s Unit 5 MCR… will enable us to secure more clean, reliable, and affordable electricity we need to power our homes and businesses for generations to come.”
In 2023, Bruce Power and the IESO amended their Refurbishment Implementation Agreement to include Investment Tax Credits (ITCs) announced by the federal government. These ITCs are now directly reducing investment costs, benefiting Ontario ratepayers by keeping power prices stable.
Lesley Gallinger, CEO and President of the IESO, emphasized the strategic importance of nuclear refurbishment in meeting Ontario’s growing energy demands.
“Ongoing refurbishments of Bruce Power’s nuclear units not only support the long-term reliability, affordability and sustainability of Ontario’s electricity system, they also contribute significantly to the economic and social well-being of communities across the province,” added Gallinger.
The Unit 5 MCR builds on the successful completion of Unit 6 and the ongoing work in Units 3 and 4. The project is expected to ensure not only clean power generation but also the continued global supply of life-saving medical isotopes, which are produced at the Bruce Power site.
“The refurbishment of Bruce Power's reactors is a vital step in securing a reliable, sustainable energy future and solidifying Ontario's position as a global leader in clean energy," Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce, added. "This project will drive long-term prosperity and ensures that Ontario continues to lead in both innovation and opportunity.”
Bruce Power’s public-private partnership (P3) model has allowed the company to innovate while controlling costs. Notably, it was the first to use robotic tooling on a reactor face anywhere in the world — an advancement that has improved safety, efficiency, and project delivery timelines.
To learn more about Bruce Power’s role in Ontario’s electricity system and pricing, visit Bruce Power and IESO.