WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government has announced a new plan to make energy more affordable while partnering with Indigenous nations to increase wind generation.
The Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan formalizes into government policy Indigenous-owned, utility-scale electricity resource supply through the creation of government-to-government partnerships with Indigenous nations in wind generation with Manitoba Hydro staying public, a release said.
“Building more energy capacity starts with a new government-to-government partnership in wind, the best source of new clean energy. By building out the grid we’ll keep rates low for everyone and put more Manitobans to work in good union jobs. Together we’ll build the next generation of affordable energy to power Manitoba’s future,” Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew said in a statement.
Other actions in the plan include:
- Creation of an Indigenous loan-guarantee program to provide First Nations and Métis the capital support and capacity to participate in the energy transition and finance new partnerships in wind generation.
- Refurbishing Manitoba Hydro generating stations to be able to handle up to 200 megawatts of power.
- Ending a first-come, first-served approach for large grid connection.
- Strengthening energy codes for homes and buildings to generate long-term energy savings.
- Oversight of the oil and gas sector with regular provincial inspections to ensure environmental safety and reliability.
- Installing new Manitoba Hydro owned and operated public electric vehicle chargers.
- A focus on energy security with stronger protections in place for procurement and data management.
“Our plan supports Manitoba’s path to net-zero emissions by 2050 and will help us protect our air, land and water for future generations. By making clean energy choices more affordable, we’ll help families save money while they save energy,” said Manitoba Environment and Climate Change Minister Tracy Schmidt.
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