September 22, 2021
Department of Crown Services Issues Directive to Manitoba Hydro to Submit Rate Application
Manitoba Crown Services has issued a directive to Manitoba Hydro respecting requirements and parameters for submission of an interim rate application to the Public Utilities Board for 2021-22 and to engage with the Public Utilities Board on submitting a multi-year general rate application, Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton announced today.
“With the pause in the legislative agenda and Bill 35 not advancing, Manitoba Hydro requires direction on how to move forward to ensure the financial health of the corporation,” said Wharton. “The directive will enshrine government’s intention to proceed with a full general rate application, while also demonstrating intent to address Manitoba Hydro’s immediate fiscal requirements including unanticipated impacts created by recent drought conditions.”
The directive allows for an open and transparent process intended to reassure ratepayers, signals support for the independence of the Public Utilities Board and demonstrates the interests of interveners has been heard.
Wharton noted that approval at this time enables timely issuance of the directive prior to the Public Utilities Board releasing its final decision on a date for a special hearing in response to the Consumers Coalition of Canada (Manitoba Branch) petition to order a hearing on power rates.
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Manitoba Hydro Directive
Manitoba Hydro Directive - https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/MH_Directive_Amended_GRA_Sept_17_2021final.pdf