Take advantage of hydroelectric potential

Manitoba Hydro has warned that significant new electricity generation will be needed over the coming decades. Countries with access to hydroelectric potential are building dams and planning for the future, while those without rivers are investing in nuclear and renewable energy. Solar and wind power are being developed rapidly in most nations to meet the growing demand for technology and data storage, as well as the switch to electric vehicles.

However, experts predict that global electricity demand will double by 2050, even accounting for increased energy efficiency from battery storage.

Climate change will further increase the need for reliable and abundant electricity. Canada has already warmed by about 2°C over the past 50 years, and Manitobans will require more power for cooling homes in longer and hotter summers. Manitoba's Nelson River has untapped hydroelectric potential, with Limestone and Conawapa (1,400 megawatts) and Gillam Island (1,000 megawatts) projects already under construction. These new dams will provide clean, green power for the next 100 years.

Manitoba Hydro has a strong financial foundation and is a solid investment choice. However, critics argue that hydro projects can cause environmental damage and that droughts can affect water power reserves. While weather is unpredictable, so is the price of natural gas, a non-renewable resource. Switching to natural gas for short-term energy production will increase greenhouse gas emissions and give big oil control over electricity costs.

Instead of investing in natural gas, Manitoba should prioritize energy conservation and develop more renewable energy sources. Spending billions on fossil fuel-based electricity is counterproductive in a world facing dangerous climate change.