Manitoba Hydro export to Minnkota Power

Summary#

Manitoba Hydro has asked the Canada Energy Regulator for permission to export electricity to Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc. in the United States. The request covers a five‑year period from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029, for up to 3 000 kW of power and 26 352 MWh of firm energy each year.

What it does#

• Asks the regulator for authorization under the Canadian Energy Regulator Act (Division 2 of Part 7) to export electricity as a border accommodation.
• Requests the export for five years: from January 1, 2025 to December 31, 2029.
• Seeks permission for up to 3 000 kW of power and 26 352 MWh of firm energy annually.
• The Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator is asking the public and interested parties for views before deciding whether to issue a permit or move to a licensing process.
• The Commission specifically wants comments on:
  • the effect of the export on provinces other than the one supplying the electricity; and
  • whether the applicant informed and fairly offered the electricity to those who expressed interest in buying for use in Canada.
• Written comments must be filed by July 22, 2024. Any response from the applicant to those comments must be filed by August 6, 2024.
• The application can be requested by emailing aupenner@hydro.mb.ca; filings and questions can be sent via the CER’s e-filing tool or to secretary@cer-rec.gc.ca. For other questions call the Commission Secretary at 403‑292‑4800.

Who's affected#

• Manitoba Hydro (the applicant) and Minnkota Power Cooperative, Inc. (the intended buyer).
• Electricity buyers in Canada who have declared an interest in buying power, because the Commission will check whether they were given a fair chance to buy.
• Electricity markets or consumers in provinces other than the exporting province, since the Commission is asking about possible effects there.
• The Commission of the Canada Energy Regulator and anyone who wants to comment on the application by the deadlines above.

Why it matters#

• Exports of firm energy can influence how much electricity is available domestically and who gets priority access. The Commission is explicitly asking whether this export would affect other provinces or domestic buyers.
• If approved, this deal would link Manitoba supply to a U.S. cooperative for up to five years, which matters for cross‑border energy trade and local utility planning.
• The public and interested parties have a short window to make their views known. If you are a potential buyer of Canadian power or represent provincial interests, this is a chance to raise concerns.