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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Why subsidies for electric cars are a bad idea for Canada
TORONTO - EV Subsidies in Canada influence greenhouse-gas emissions based on electricity grid mix; in Ontario and Quebec they reduce pollution, while fossil-fuel grids blunt benefits. Compare costs per tonne with carbon tax and renewable energy policies.
Key Points
Government rebates for electric vehicles, whose emissions impact and cost-effectiveness depend on provincial grid mix.
✅ Impact varies by grid emissions; clean hydro-nuclear cuts CO2.
✅ MEI estimates up to $523 per tonne vs $50 carbon price.
✅ Best value: tax carbon; target renewables, efficiency, hybrids.
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