Kinew says Manitoba may need to spend far less on new power plants after utility board report

Premier Wab Kinew said Friday Manitoba may need to spend far less on new power generation than planned, after a Public Utilities Board report. Manitoba Hydro has said three natural gas-fired turbines, costing about $3 billion, are needed to meet peak winter demand within a few years. Kinew said the board concluded one 250-megawatt turbine, costing about $1 billion, plus transmission capacity is needed for now, and more can be added later, effectively rejecting Hydro's demand forecasting method. He said the government would likely follow the recommendations, but is still reviewing details. Hydro said it had not seen the report.