The Bipole III transmission line is an important project for our province. It will enhance the reliability of our electricity system, and support our export sales.

Unfortunately, Premier Greg Selinger went against the advice of engineers and Manitoba Hydro itself, and directed the utility to build the line on the west side of the province. This means the line will be less reliable, 479 kilometers longer, and will cost Manitobans $1.75 billion more than an eastern route. To put it in perspective, $1.75 billion is enough money to build 90 schools or 30 hospitals.
In a recent letter to the Brandon Sun, NDP Hydro Minister Rosann Wowchuk argues that an eastern route would threaten Manitoba’s export sales. This is untrue. Our export customers’ biggest concerns will be cost and reliability. By building a much longer route, our power will end up costing more, and be less reliable.

Wowchuk has said that they are building on the west side because they have received 40,000 emails opposing an eastern route. What she failed to mention was that these emails were sent from American lobbyists. The opposition is coming from radical individuals who aren’t Manitobans, and who aren’t our export customers.

She also claims that regardless of the route, Hydro needs to purchase $1.1 billion in conversion equipment right away. Again, this is untrue. During a March 2010 Hydro Committee meeting, Hydro CEO Bob Brennan confirmed that new conversion equipment isn’t required for an eastern route.

Brennan has also said that it will take two years longer to build a west side line. An east side line is the best route for Hydro, Manitoba ratepayers, and the environment.

Premier Selinger and Ms. Wowchuk are being reckless with the future of Manitoba Hydro by caving into an email campaign organized by American lobbyists. Their recklessness will cost every Manitoba family an additional $7,000.