Project overview

Upgrading the equipment at BBGS will increase its generating capacity by 42.5 MW to an output capacity of 584 MW. The efficiency upgrades will be limited to replacing parts of the existing natural gas fired combustion turbines during an already scheduled maintenance period. All upgrade activities will take place within the existing facility and there will be no changes or expansion beyond the existing BBGS footprint.

Project materials released earlier in 2023 note the upgrades to BBGS will increase the facility generating contract capacity by an average of 42.5 MW (from 570 MW to 612.5 MW), based on a winter (Season 1) contract capacity. When accounting for seasonable variability, BBGS generating contract capacity will increase by an average of 42.5 MW but from an average electrical output contract capacity of 541.25 MW to a total average electrical output contract capacity of 583.75 MW.

What's being upgraded?

The efficiency upgrades will include replacing parts of the existing natural gas fired combustion turbines with more efficient parts that will allow increased electrical output. The work is similar to regular facility maintenance activities and will be confined to the existing facility footprint. There will be no changes or expansion beyond the existing BBGS footprint.

Environmental screening process and project timeline

Since the project will result in a 42.5 MW increase in the electrical output of BBGS, it is subject to the Environmental Screening Process for Electricity Projects subject to Ontario Regulation 116/01, under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. A Notice of Commencement of a Screening and Invitation to a Public Meeting was issued on July 26, 2023, to communicate the start of the Environmental Screening Process.