Combining Manitoba Hydro and Centra Gas A Cost Saving

WINNIPEG, MB - - Manitoba Hydro and Centra Gas are focused on working together to find cost savings that will result from integrating the electricity and gas utilities. Annual cost savings could reach at least $12 million a year.

With respect to customer billing and service, some of the combined services may already be evident to you our customers. In our rural locations, where both companies require facilities, the plan is to move Centra Gas staff into Manitoba Hydro's facilities. To date, this has occurred in Boissevain, Gimli, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Roblin, Russell, Selkirk, Souris, Steinbach, Virden, and Winkler, which is an exception - Manitoba Hydro staff have moved into the Centra Gas facility.

Soon, similar moves will occur in Brandon, Dauphin, and Portage la Prairie.

At these combined offices, customers can pay both utility bills at the same time, and as well can make billing or service enquiries about their electricity or gas accounts.

Also in the months ahead, further changes will occur with respect to customer billing and service, allowing us to achieve our goal of increased efficiency and improved customer service - as envisioned when Manitoba Hydro purchased Centra Gas last year. For instance, the electricity bill and gas bill will be delivered in the same envelope.

Other proposals to combine departments of the two utilities - those where staff have similar responsibilities - are being prepared. For example, plans to integrate the financial, construction, engineering, and operations and maintenance groups are progressing well.