National Energy Board approves the Manitoba Hydro – Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project

Press Release

November 15, 2018 – Calgary, Alberta – National Energy Board

The National Energy Board (the Board) has issued its decision approving the Manitoba Hydro – Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project (Project) subject to 28 conditions, and the approval of the Governor in Council.

Manitoba Hydro applied for authorization under the NEB Act to construct and operate a 500 kV international power line extending 213 km from the Winnipeg area to the U.S. border in southeastern Manitoba including upgrades to three existing electrical stations in southern Manitoba. Approximately 92 km of the proposed route is located within existing transmission line corridors. The remaining 121 km requires a new right-of-way.

The purpose of the project is to increase export and import capability between Manitoba and the U.S. This is expected to generate incremental revenues for the province and enhance reliability.

The Board approval follows a public hearing process that included a comprehensive scientific and technical examination of the evidence brought before the hearing panel. The Board imposed 28 conditions for the Project that relate to consultation with Indigenous peoples, the environment, engineering standards, safety, and emergency response.

In its assessment of Manitoba Hydro’s Application for the Project, the Board considered whether the Project is in the overall C anadian public interest. The Board assesses the overall public good a project may create and its potential negative aspects, weights its various impacts, and makes its decision. The Board relies on the facts that are established to its satisfaction through the hearing process for the assessment of a project, and conducts its proceeding consistent with the principles of natural justice.

Quick Facts

• The Participant Funding Program (PFP) received and approved 16 applications requesting $1,197,967. Indigenous groups account for 72% of the funding awarded.
• The Board heard Oral Traditional Evidence in Winnipeg, MB, during the week of June 3, 2018. The Board held the oral cross-examination and oral argument in Winnipeg during the week of June 18, 2018. Overall, the Board heard from the Applicant, 17 intervenors and two Letter of Comment writers.
• The route for this project is 213 km. Approximately 92 km of the proposed route is located within existing transmission line corridors. The utilization of Manitoba Hydro’s existing corridors was encouraged by the public and factored heavily in the transmission line routing process.
• The remaining 121 km requires a new right-of-way (ROW). Of this new ROW, approximately 30 per cent is owned by the provincial Crown and 70 per cent is privately owned.
• The Board takes a lifecycle approach to regulation, meaning holding companies accountable so that Canadians and the environment are protected throughout the lifecycle of each project. In this case, day-to-day regulation of this Project reverts to the Province of Manitoba once the certificate is granted. The Board works with and expects overlap in oversight with the Province
• There are 84 international power lines between Canada and the United States. In 2015, these power lines transmitted $3.4 billion dollars in electricity.

Associated Links

• More information on the Project is available on Manitoba Hydro – Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project

The National Energy Board is an independent federal regulator of several parts of Canada’s energy industry. Its purpose is to regulate pipelines, energy development and trade in the Canadian public interest. For more information on the NEB and its mandate, please visit the National Energy Board website.

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Contacts

Dario Alvarez
Communications Officer
National Energy Board
Email: dario.alvarez@neb-one.gc.ca
Telephone: 403-690-0545
Telephone (toll free): 1-800-899-1265
Facsimile: 403-292-5503
Facsimile (toll free): 1-877-288-8803
TTY (Teletype): 1-800-632-1663

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