FREDERICTON – Newly released documents from NB Power show the Point Lepreau refurbishment project is nearly a billion dollars over budget.

Along with the $1.3 billion in refurbishment costs, the utility says an account set up for deferred costs has now reached $989 million.

It says interest on the deferral account is accumulating at $123,000 a day.

NB Power was ordered to provide the update by the Energy and Utilities Board.

The documents also say the nuclear plant is expected to return to service on October 1, and have a 27-year lifespan.