Manitoba Wildlands  
Bipole III Now $1 Billion More Expensive 19 September 14

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Manitoba Hydro says its new estimate for the BiPole Three project is $4.6 billion, up from $3.3 billion in 2011 and its original figure of $2.2 billion in 2007. Public hearings were held in 2012 and 2013, with environmental licence issued in 2013. Appeals of that licence, including to Cabinet, ended recently, with all appeals rejected.

The Crown corporation says converter station technology is the main reason for the price jump -- businesses that submitted bids are not planning to use new types of converters that are normally used for shorter routes. Hydro CEO Scott Thompson says the extra cost will be paid over many years and will only mean an extra $4 a year for the average residential customer.

The Conawapa converter station is in the Bipole III licence. Based on Public Utility Board recommendations, it is no longer needed. The Riel converter station, being built on the east side of Winnipeg, is also in the Bipole III licence.

“Manitoba Hydro always tells us about higher capital costs after the environmental licence is in place. The same thing happened with Wuskwatim generation and transmission capital costs,” said Gaile Whelan Enns, Manitoba Wildlands director.

View September 18, 2014 CTV News article
View September 18, 2014 CBC News article
View September 18, 2014 Winnipeg Sun article

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