The public is invited to help Manitoba Hydro do more through its Power Smart programs by saving families and businesses money as well as helping ensure a reliable supply of electricity for the future. This invitation was made by Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro.
“As Manitoba’s population and economy continue to grow, we need a responsible and balanced approach to meet our growing demand for power,” said Minister Struthers. “Ensuring we have reliable power and keeping rates among the lowest on the continent requires building more hydro generation while strengthening initiatives like Power Smart that conserve electricity.”
Power Smart investments since 1999 have been five times greater than during the 1990s, saving more than 545 megawatts, or the amount of electricity generated by 2.5 Wuskwatim dams, the minister said. Manitoba Hydro offers 27 programs for homes and businesses through Power Smart including financing, rebates and technical support for energy-efficient building upgrades and appliances.
“Families and businesses have collectively saved more than $845 million on their energy bills through Power Smart projects,” said the minster. “Manitobans have made this program so successful that it’s getting harder to find more cost-effective energy-saving opportunities. I want to hear new ideas from the public and businesses on how we can do even better.”
Power Smart grants helped Kay Four Properties upgrade its apartment blocks with high-efficiency boilers, compact fluorescent interior lighting, new windows, high-efficiency washing machines and smart-block heater plugs in parking lots.
“Power Smart lets us make our buildings better while slowing rent increases for tenents and it also means we reduce our carbon footprint as much as we would taking 120 cars off the road every year,” said Avrom Charach, vice-president, Kay Four Properties. “Everyone wins when we keep this program strong and I hope many Manitobans take the opportunity to be a part of shaping its future.”
As part of the consultation process, the minister will host open houses in Winnipeg, Brandon and Flin Flon. The province is also doing phone surveys and accepting submissions online until Dec. 13. To participate online or for details on open house times and locations, visit www.manitoba.ca/powersmart. The minister said the results will help develop new potential Power Smart programs.
