Manitoba Hydro Electricity Rates Increase 3.6% Starting in New Year

Manitoba Hydro’s desire for a five per cent increase in electricity rates did not materialize this year.

The Utilities Commission, which oversees utilities, has approved an interim rate increase of 3.6% effective January 1, 2022. The increase expires November 15, 2022, unless a request for a rate increase Manitoba Hydro’s subsequent submission be accepted.

“This increase recognizes the financial consequences of the drought suffered in Manitoba in 2021 and the council’s goal of avoiding a rate shock by smoothing customer rate increases needed to meet the costs of major capital projects coming into service. “, the council wrote in a press release. .

Manitoba Hydro requested rate increases in November to offset losses due to drought that reduced water flows and the utility’s ability to generate excess power to sell in markets outside of the province. Manitoba, according to Manitoba Hydro President and CEO Jay Grewal in a press release in November.

This interim rate increase will be reviewed as part of Manitoba Hydro’s general rate application process in 2022.

There will be no price increase for certain categories of customers in the diesel zone (group of four northern communities that rely on diesel powered electricity from Manitoba Hydro, according to PUB) or the Surplus Energy Program rates.