A wind turbine is shown at a wind farm near Pincher Creek, Alta., Wednesday, March 9, 2016. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh)
The Manitoba government has announced a new plan aimed at building the next generation of affordable and clean energy.
The Manitoba Affordable Energy Plan will include a partnership with Indigenous nations on wind energy projects, marking the first time such government-to-government partnerships have been formalized in the province. The plan also ensures Manitoba Hydro remains publicly owned.
“By building out the grid we’ll keep rates low for everyone and put more Manitobans to work in good union jobs,” said Premier Wab Kinew, in a release. “Together we’ll build the next generation of affordable energy to power Manitoba’s future.”
The plan includes:
- Creating an Indigenous loan-guarantee program to support First Nations and Métis in energy projects.
- Refurbishing Manitoba Hydro stations to unlock 200 megawatts of additional power.
- Strengthening energy codes for homes and buildings.
- Installing new electric vehicle charging stations across the province.
The government aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
