With a growing population and expanding economy, Manitoba is running out of electricity. Within a decade, we will need new power to meet the needs of families and businesses.
Building new dams and transmission lines will ensure there’ll be enough power when Manitobans need it and that we will continue to have the lowest electricity rates on the continent.
Manitoba is not alone in facing the challenge of growing demand for electricity. But there are other challenges.
It’s estimated that across Canada, provinces will have to invest $350 billion just to replace aging electrical systems that were built more than half a century ago.
Here at home Manitoba Hydro will have to spend $14 billion to replace 117,000 old wooden power poles and 20 outdated substations over the next two decades.
Many Canadians will see rate increases to replace old equipment and to meet new demands. British Columbia will increase electricity rates by 25 per cent in the next three years. Saskatchewan just announced it will increase rates by 5.5 per cent in the coming year and five per cent in each of the following two years.
Manitoba Hydro has spent the last decade preparing for these challenges and is in its strongest financial position ever, with assets sitting at a record $14.5 billion.
And it’s estimated that exporting clean energy to our neighbours will bring in $29 billion over the next 30 years and help offset the costs of building new dams and transmission.
Hydro’s plan to build new hydro generation will not only ensure we don’t run short – it will create thousands of good jobs and help grow our economy.
Brian Pallister is calling for a halt to new power development until there’s a review of Hydro’s business plan to meet the growing needs of Manitobans.
The fact is the Public Utility Board (PUB) has already launched the most rigorous review in Hydro’s history. Eight independent expert firms are assessing the plans to ensure they are sound.
As Hydro Minister I am committed to preparing for the challenges of the future, keeping our electricity rates low, growing the economy and preserving our environment by using clean power instead of fossil fuels.
Most of all I am committed to ensuring we have the power we need to meet the needs of Manitoba families and businesses because we know jurisdictions that are forced to important energy pay the highest rates on the continent.
The biggest risk to Manitoba families and businesses is Brian Pallister’s plan to cancel Hydro projects and privatize the company, just as the PCs did with MTS when Mr. Pallister was a cabinet minister in Gary Filmon’s government.
Their plan will leave Manitobans with no choice but to import electricity at rates we can’t control.
Stan Struthers
Hydro Minister
