The demand for electricity in the western province of Manitoba could outstrip supply by 2022 says the province’s energy minister.
Dave Chomiak said demand is growing by 80 megawatts a year as the provincial economy grows, and new sources for electrical generation have to be built.
The province is planning two hydro megaprojects, the Keeyask and Conawapa generating stations along with requisite transmission lines in order to feed the expected demand, and to sell excess power to the US.
The cost of the projects is expected to be $20 billion dollars.
Graham Lane, the former chairman of the public utiltities board (PUB) said Manitoba Hydro’s gamble — that the U.S. will buy Manitoba power — could bankrupt the province.
Late last year Manitoba’s opposition leader called for a full review of the megaprojects before they proceed.
Progressive Conservative Leader Brian Pallister accused the NDP government of being too secretive about the multi-billion dollar projects
Mr. Pallister called for a joint review of the economic and environmental impacts of the two generating stations and their transmission lines.
He said with energy prices dropping in the United States, there are questions about whether Manitoba Hydro can recoup its spending through export sales. The utility’s debt will triple, and future generations will have to pay for it, he said.
Energy Minister Chomiak has responded this week saying, “By the time we build Keeyask, we’ll have run out of power in Manitoba. So if we do nothing, we’re going to end up importing power, dirty power, from other places”
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