Manitoba’s new affordable energy plan promises “nation-to-nation” wind power partnerships with Indigenous governments, more financial incentives for ratepayers and a shift to “clean” heat, as outlined in a copy obtained by the Free Press.
The plan calls for wind generating projects that are majority owned (51 per cent) by First Nation and Métis governments for up to 600 megawatts of power — a near-term generating target set by Manitoba Hydro.
“New government-to-government partnerships with Indigenous communities will build more renewable energy for Manitobans while advancing reconciliation,” said the plan that is due to be made public today.
“These new partnerships will still leave room for Manitoba Hydro to develop additional wind generation as needed while maintaining public ownership of our Crown utility.”
Manitoba Hydro will issue an expression of interest for the proposed projects. A loan guarantee program will be created in the 2025 budget, the plan revealed.
The province will also look at partnering with the Inuit government of Nunavut’s Kivalliq region to build new generating capacity in northern Manitoba.
The plan outlines seven objectives, including more than two dozen initiatives, intended to help strengthen Manitoba’s grid, cut greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, lower costs for customers, create jobs and prepare for future energy needs.
Some initiatives, such as heat pumps and rebates for electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle purchases, have been announced. Premier Wab Kinew has pledged to freeze hydro rates for a year in his government’s four-year term.
The NDP government intends to bring in “opt-in demand management options,” such as discounted energy rates and the installation of “smart” meters that automatically send data to the utility, the document states.
While details were limited, Manitobans are promised new energy efficiency incentives to encourage them to make “climate-friendly” choices.
The plan proposes an arrangement in which industrial and commercial power users could repay the up-front cost of energy efficient measures over time through property tax bills.
Building and energy codes are to be changed to introduce a “higher tier” of energy efficiency.
Another objective is a shift toward “clean” heat that focuses on electric heat pumps. The NDP government said 5,000 households will receive new pumps for heating and cooling, starting with existing homes in rural and northern Manitoba.
“As we move away from non-renewable heating sources such as natural gas, it will be important for Manitobans to be provided with new options that are not only clean but also affordable,” the plan said.
The government will also consider neighbourhood energy systems, which use renewable or recovered thermal energy in a central location and underground pipes to provide heat, hot water and air-conditioning.
The plan includes pledges to make it easier to hook up solar photovoltaic systems used by homes and businesses, and install more electric vehicle charging stations.
In the commercial sector, Manitoba will prioritize requests for new large grid connections for projects that mesh with the province’s economic development goals, the document said.
Other highlights or pledges include “stronger” oversight of the oil and gas sector via regular environmental inspections, a green hydrogen strategy, expanded cold-weather testing in northern Manitoba, leveraging artificial intelligence and proceeding with “extreme caution” to avoid compromising grid security.
The plan repeats the NDP’s 2023 election promise of repealing the Manitoba Hydro Amendment and Public Utilities Board Amendment Act, which was passed by the former Tory government.
chris.kitching@freepress.mb.ca
Chris Kitching
Reporter
Chris Kitching is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He began his newspaper career in 2001, with stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and London, England, along the way. After returning to Winnipeg, he joined the Free Press in 2021, and now covers a little bit of everything for the newspaper. Read more about Chris.
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