March 9, 2010
Manitoba and Saskatchewan Ministers Move Forward on East-West Energy Co-operation
– – –Working Group Established to Enhance Provincial Electrical Systems: Ministers
The Governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have agreed to work co‑operatively to enhance and maintain a sustainable energy supply by exploring new transmission opportunities for both provinces, Manitoba Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, and Saskatchewan Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd, minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Power Corporation, announced today, following a meeting between the two in Winnipeg.
“The agreement reached today builds on the first-ever joint cabinet meeting held last month between our two governments,” said Wowchuk. “This working group will be charged with exploring ways to increase renewable energy development in both provinces which is a win-win that will build transmission capacity on the prairies.”
“SaskPower and Manitoba Hydro working more closely together makes good business sense,” remarked Boyd. “Ultimately our interests are to best serve our customers.”
The group will consist of expert representatives from Manitoba Hydro and SaskPower. It will meet immediately to begin developing a framework on how the two jurisdictions can co-operate on green power development.
The first priority of the working group will be to study and examine opportunities to add about 150 megawatts of transmission capacity for both provinces.
The ministers said the group will report back to both governments this fall.
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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the governments of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.