Energy security

For over 50 years, hydropower from Manitoba has served as a secure, stable and cost-effective resource for wholesale power markets in the U.S. Manitoba Hydro has provided the Upper Midwest with up to about 10,000 gigawatt hours of electricity per year – enough to power nearly 1 million homes.

Because hydropower is cost-competitive with other forms of electricity, our exports help keep rates down in the U.S., resulting in lower costs to consumers.

Not only that – hydropower is predictable. Facilities last for 50 to 100 years, providing stable long-term pricing. As a result, our sales agreements offer cost certainty and rate stability.

Our utility customers see value in purchasing hydropower from Manitoba Hydro as a way to limit their exposure to fluctuating natural gas prices and potential changes in regulatory requirements associated with emissions from thermal resources.

Our U.S. power sales

Currently, we have numerous sales agreements with utilities in the U.S. Midwest, including Minnesota Power, Northern States Power (part of Xcel Energy), Great River Energy, Wisconsin Public Service, Minnesota Municipal Power Agency, Basin Electric Power Cooperative, and others.

In addition to power sales, we also sell Renewable Energy Certificates to help our U.S. customers meet renewable portfolio standard targets.

Manitoba Hydro’s U.S. sales agreements