Hydro’s planned $3B gas turbines purchase misguided, bad for environment, critics say
Despite defending a $3-billion gas turbine purchase as the most reliable power source in freezing temperatures, Manitoba Hydro’s gas turbines in Brandon have had outages during three of the 10 highest usage times over the past five winters — a sign that the Crown corporation’s long-term power plan needs re-evaluation, environmental groups say.
Manitoba Hydro's $3 billion investment in gas turbines is being criticized for its environmental impact and reliability, environmental groups argue. Despite Hydro defending the purchase as the most reliable power source in cold weather, the turbines have experienced outages during three of the top ten busiest times in the past five winters.
Manitoba Hydro attributed these outages to staffing and maintenance issues, but critics argue the purchase contradicts its claims of reliability. The utility is currently undergoing a six-week series of public hearings to review its 10-year power plan, which includes the new gas-combustion turbines in Brandon. Critics point to the cost and impact on greenhouse-gas emissions as reasons to re-evaluate the Crown corporation's long-term power strategy.
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