Published November 15, 2018
https://winnipegsun.com/news/news-news/neb-approves-manitoba-minnesota-power-line-landowners-could-fight-decision-in-court-lawyer
The controversial Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project has received a key stamp of approval. The National Energy Board (NEB) is recommending the approval of the $453-million, 213-kilometre transmission line from the Winnipeg area to the U.S. border, which would connect with Minnesota Power’s Great Northern trans-mission line.
“This is expected to generate incremental revenue and enhance grid reliability,” said Robert Steedman, the NEB’s chief environment officer, during a conference call.
The NEB’s approval is subject to 28 conditions aimed at addressing concerns about Indigenous consultation, the environment, engineering standards, safety and emergency responses. The recommendation now requires the approval of the federal Governor in Council.
Steedman said orders that Manitoba Hydro conduct post-construction monitor-ing for at least 10 years and develop wetlands offset measures will ensure the project doesn’t cause significant environmental harm. Meanwhile, a requirement that at least 20% of the transmission line’s value consist of Indigenous content, including contracts, suppliers and direct employment, is meant to address some concerns shared by Indigenous communities, he said. The NEB expects domestic electricity rates would also drop following the line’s construction.
“The revenues generated from the project will contribute to lower the cost of electricity in Manitoba,” said Jean-Denis Charlebois, the NEB’s chief economist.
The Southeast Stakeholders Coalition, a group of landowners and community members, had asked NEB to recommend the line be re-routed or cancelled. Kevin Toyne, the coalition’s lawyer, called Thursday’s decision a disappoint-ment. “The members of the coalition that I represent now face the province and Manitoba Hydro expropriating their land so that we can spend hundreds of millions of dollars subsidizing Minnesota … It’s a bloody outrage,” said Toyne. If the federal government decides to approve the NEB recommendation, Toyne expects a court challenge will likely follow.
“If they decide that’s something we should be doing, I think there’s a good chance there will be landowners and others in court,” he said.
By contrast, a Manitoba Hydro spokesperson said the line’s construction would go a long way to enhancing power security in Manitoba, allowing the province to double its power import capacity in the event of a drought or other emergency.
“It’s not just an export line but it really strengthens the grid regionally and really improves our reliability right here in Manitoba,” said Scott Powell.
Manitoba Crown Services Minister Colleen Mayer’s office declined comment on specifics of the decision Thursday, stating the province is still reviewing it.
jpursaga@postmedia.com