Minnesota Signs Deal With Manitoba Hydro
WINNIPEG -- - The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission has unanimously approved a $1.7 billion power export deal with Manitoba Hydro.
It allows Minneapolis-based Xcel Energy to import power from Manitoba Hydro, despite the objections of aboriginal groups.
The 500-megawatt, 10-year deal was given the go-ahead.
It's an extension of an existing deal and will allow power to be exported until 2015.
Approval by Canada's National Energy Board is pending.
The Minnesota decision is a blow to the Pimicikamak Cree Nation of Cross Lake, Manitoba. They had asked the commission to first call a formal hearing into the social and economic impact of historic hydro development on their homeland.
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Key Points
An interprovincial high-voltage grid that shares clean power to deliver reliable, low-cost decarbonization.
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✅ Integrates renewables with hydro storage via HVDC links
✅ Lowers decarbonization costs through interprovincial trade
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