Posted on 01/08/2012, 10:30 am, by mySteinbach

Premier Greg Selinger congratulated Scott Thomson on becoming the new Manitoba Hydro president and chief executive officer following a unanimous recommendation of the Manitoba Hydro board of directors.

“Hydro power is Manitoba’s oil and Scott has the experience we need to keep Manitoba Hydro growing for the benefit of all Manitobans,” said Selinger. “Manitoba Hydro is a well-managed company and with Scott’s leadership we will build it in to North America’s leader in clean renewable energy.”

Until recently, Thomson served as the executive vice-president, finance, regulatory affairs, energy supply and chief financial officer for FortisBC, the largest distributor of natural gas in British Columbia. In this role, he managed regulatory relationships with the B.C. Utilities Commission, oversaw long-range financial planning and overall corporate performance measurement and reporting, as well as gas procurement and power supply. He has also served in senior roles with Ernst & Young.

The premier noted that these are exciting times for Manitoba Hydro as export sales are growing, transmission capacity and reliability are increasing, and Manitoba families continue to enjoy some of the lowest rates in North America.

“Scott brings a wealth of industry experience to the table, from electricity to natural gas,” said Selinger. “I know he’ll build on Manitoba Hydro’s successes and ensure Aboriginal communities and all Manitobans benefit as the corporation keeps moving forward.”

The premier once again thanked outgoing Manitoba Hydro president and CEO Bob Brennan for his decades of service to Manitoba’s largest Crown corporation.

“Under Bob’s leadership, Manitoba Hydro has been highly competitive, powering our province into the new millennium and created stronger relationships with Aboriginal Manitobans,” said Selinger.

Thomson will begin his new role in mid-February.