Manitoba - Ontario Energy Transfer Examined - updated |
8 October 04 |
A long-awaited preliminary report outlining the potential for energy transfers between Manitoba and Ontario was released in Winnipeg September 31, 2004. The report examines possible power supply arrangements between Manitoba and Ontario, in particular generation and transmission infrastructure to meet a growing need for power in Ontario. Experts and independent analysts at the Suzuki Foundation have been calling for demand side management, and conservation efforts to reduce Ontario's projected energy use. The terms of reference, consulting company names, provincial utility names, and access to technical information from one year's work are not available at this time. Maps in the report are small and difficult to apply to Manitoba. There is no contact information, no clear definition of 'Clean Energy Transfer' available with the report. The report recommends proceeding to the next stage of the 'Clean Energy Transfer Initiative' (CETI), which would involve detailed engineering and cost analysis, especially regarding transmission line options, comprehensive consultations, the initiation of commercial negotiations, and political and policy decisions. In a September 30, 2004 press release, the Manitoba Government indicated that Manitoba and Ontario would proceed with a detailed technical study to follow-up on the feasibility study. Manitoba Wildlands Director, Gaile Whelan Enns, expressed several concerns about the 39-page report, "With a reported price tag of $2 million, each page appears to have cost over $51,000.00. Aside from a vague reference to a 'joint study team', no one is taking responsibility for this report." noted Ms. Whelan Enns, "The absence of BiPole III as a transmission option is also troubling - Manitoba Hydro has been discussing this transmission option for years and now it is absent in this significant study." View the report 'The Clean Energy Transfer - Preliminary Assessment of the Potential for a Clean Energy Transfer Between Manitoba and Ontario' (September 2004) View the September 30, 2004 Manitoba Government press release View the June 2003 MOU between the governments of Manitoba and Ontario Sources: Manitoba Government, CETI report, Winnipeg Free Press
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