Chaudière Falls Generating Stations

Energy Ottawa operates two 'run-of-the-river' hydroelectric generating stations on the Ottawa River in Canada's Capital. Run-of-the-river means the stations do not dam or interrupt the flow of the river—an important criteria for our recent certification under Environment Canada's EcoLogo program.

Built in 1900, Generating Station No. 4 is operated on land owned by the Government of Canada. Generating Station 2, which we lease from the National Capital Commission, was built in 1891.

Both stations are more than 100 years old. Recently refurbished in 2001 and equipped with state-of-the-art automated monitoring systems to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs-care was taken to ensure little loss of heritage value. Computerized sensors now monitor all aspects of the operation, with control from an office on-site or from several miles away. As a testament to the history of hydro generation the original dials, meters and switches remain in the building.

The refurbished stations achieve the most efficient use of water resources, reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability and safety. A recycled turbine and generator have been salvaged from an old hydro station in west Quebec and have been added to increase generating capacity. Natural Resources Canada provided assistance with computerized high efficiency turbine design. The work was carried out by SCP of Sherbrooke, Quebec, which has specific expertise in heritage generating stations.

The refurbishment has boosted the stations combined output from 69 GWH to almost 110 GWH per year of electricity—enough to supply all of the annual electricity needs of the nearby Parliament Buildings four times over. We are currently investigating further expansion of operations at this site.