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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Policy opening 40% of supply to private vendors, enabling consumer choice and small discounts while IEC retains the grid.
✅ 40% of retail supply opened to private electricity suppliers
✅ IEC keeps meters, lines; tariffs still regulated by the authority
✅ Expected discounts near 7%, not dramatic price cuts initially
"See the pseudo-reform in the electricity sector: no lower prices,…