Post by : Meena
Hassan
Manitoba Hydro plans to enhance its electricity supply by 1,760 megawatts over the next ten years—transforming more than a quarter of its current capacity—through the integration of new infrastructure and energy efficiency measures.
On Thursday, the Crown corporation unveiled details of its integrated resource plan, showcasing its strategies to avert a potential energy crisis in winter as soon as 2029.
The initiative seeks to introduce 900 megawatts of new generation capability by 2035. Significant projects encompass three natural gas turbines in Brandon, wind farms led by Indigenous companies, upgrades to current hydroelectric facilities, and a pilot project for five-megawatt battery storage.
In addition to new power generation, Manitoba Hydro intends to execute 860 megawatts of energy-saving measures to alleviate peak electricity demand during extreme weather. This may involve offering incentives to customers who voluntarily cut back on their electricity use during peak periods.
Scott Powell, the communications director at Hydro, noted, "Reducing the peak load enables us to accommodate more customers without the need to significantly increase capacity."
NDP cabinet minister Adrien Sala emphasized that any variable-rate programs would be voluntary and aimed at minimizing energy costs for consumers, pending regulatory approval from the Public Utilities Board.
However, environmental advocates have expressed concerns. Laura Cameron from Manitoba’s Climate Action Team criticized the dependence on natural gas turbines, urging Hydro to adopt stronger energy efficiency goals and larger-scale battery storage to support wind energy.
In response, Sala mentioned that battery storage is still in its nascent stages and too expensive to scale rapidly, although Manitoba Hydro plans to gradually enhance its use to ensure grid reliability while maintaining affordability.
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