April 25, 2013
Province Announces Members of Panel, Issues Terms of Reference for Review of Manitoba Hydro Plan to Build Northern Dams
The province has issued the terms of reference for the needs for and alternatives to (NFAT) review being undertaken by the Public Utilities Board (PUB) of Manitoba Hydro’s proposal to build two new dams in northern Manitoba, Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, announced today.
“Manitoba Hydro has developed a comprehensive plan for new hydroelectric development to meet a growing provincial demand for power and to take advantage of long-term export opportunities,” Chomiak said. “This plan has significant economic benefits and will provide clean and affordable energy far into the future. Manitobans need to know that Hydro’s plan is in their best interest and that’s what we are asking the PUB to verify.”
In November, the Manitoba govenrment announced that a PUB panel would conduct the NFAT review of Manitoba Hydro’s preferred development plan which includes the Keeyask and Conawapa generating stations, their associated domestic transmission facilities and a new Canada-U.S. transmission interconnection.
The PUB has been asked to conduct a thorough public review of Hydro’s plan and to make an overall assessment as to whether or not the plan is needed at this time and is in the best long-term interest of the province when compared to other options and alternatives, Chomiak said. A report, including recommendations, is to be submitted to the province by June 20, 2014.
The PUB has confirmed the NFAT review will be conducted by a panel of five members including PUB chair Regis Gosselin, Marilyn Kapitany, Larry Soldier, Arthur Mauro and Mel Lazareck.
The complete terms of reference are attached. The PUB is expected to inform the public of how they can participate in the review process in the coming weeks.
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TERMS OF REFERENCE ATTACHED
Backgrounder
NFAT - Terms of Reference - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/newslinks/2013/04/NFAT_Terms_of_Reference.IEM.doc