Frequently Asked Questions

About our Fixed Rate Service.

1. Why is Manitoba Hydro offering the Fixed Rate Service?
2. Is participating in the Fixed Rate Service going to save me money over my contract term?
3. Will the fixed rate represent the entire amount on my monthly gas bill?
4. Does the Fixed Rate Service mean I pay exactly the same amount each month on my gas bill?
5. What happens if I move during the contract period?
6. What happens to my natural gas bill after the contract term is complete?
7. Will the 5-year fixed rate always be the higher than the 1- and 3-year fixed rates?
8. Is there a fee to enroll in the Fixed Rate Service?
9. Can I drop out of the Fixed Rate Service at any time during my contract term?
10. Why are your fixed rates different than the rates currently offered by independent natural gas marketers?
11. What if I don't want to change over to the Fixed Rate Service?
12. What business practices will be followed in marketing this service?
13. What other companies are offering Primary Gas in Manitoba, and how do I find out about their rates?
14. What are the rates being offered by Manitoba Hydro?

1. Why is Manitoba Hydro offering the Fixed Rate Service?

   The Fixed Rate Service is being offered to improve customer choice and meet varying customer preferences for fixed-rate Primary Gas fixed rate products. The more choice available, the better the chance that customers can find the products which meet their specific individual needs. We have no preference whether you purchase your Primary Gas on a quarterly or fixed-rate service.

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2. Is participating in the Fixed Rate Service going to save me money over my contract term?

   A fixed-rate contract may or may not save you money. That can only be determined at the end of the contract when the actual market price of natural gas over the contract term is known. The Fixed Rate Service should not be viewed as a way for you to save money, but rather an option to reduce market price risk. It is not a guaranteed cost savings.

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3. Will the fixed rate represent the entire amount on my monthly gas bill?

   No. This rate will only be applied to the Primary Gas portion on your bill. The remaining components of your bill will not be affected by participation in the fixed-rate service.

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4. Does the Fixed Rate Service mean I pay exactly the same amount each month on my gas bill?

   No. The Fixed Rate Service means that your specific unit rate (per cubic metre) for Primary Gas consumed will not change over the contract period. The total amount you pay will still vary based on the total amount of natural gas you consume over the billing period. We do offer the Equal Payment Plan option to customers as a way to equalize your monthly energy bill payments over a 1-year period.

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5. What happens if I move during the contract period?

   If you move during the contract period, your Fixed Rate Service contract is immediately cancelled and no early termination fee will apply. If you move within Manitoba and have an active natural gas service at your new location you will be switched over to our default quarterly rate for your new Primary Gas service, unless you sign up for a fixed-rate service either with us or an independent gas marketer (subject to availability).

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6. What happens to my natural gas bill after the contract term is complete?

   We will send you a written reminder prior to the end of the contract and advise you of your gas supply options at that time. If you do not enter into a new contract, either with us or an independent gas marketer, you will automatically be placed back on our Quarterly Rate Service.

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7. Will the 5-year fixed rate always be the higher than the 1- and 3-year fixed rates?

   Not necessarily. Although the quarterly, 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year fixed terms tend to be negatively related (i.e. the longer the term, the higher the rate), that is not always the case. The rates offered for any specific term relate to the projected price over that term, relative to the current market price. In other words, if the market is at a high (relative to historical levels), it is possible that a 5-year fixed rate may be lower than a 1-year fixed rate as, in the short term, the market expects higher commodity prices than over the longer-term view.

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8. Is there a fee to enroll in the Fixed Rate Service?

   No. Manitoba Hydro does not charge a fee for changing rate plans. You will continue to receive the same reliable service, with no change in how you receive you monthly bill for natural gas.

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9. Can I drop out of the Fixed Rate Service at any time during my contract term?

   When you enroll in a Fixed Rate Service, either with us or an independent gas marketer, you will receive a letter to confirm your intention to participate in a fixed rate product. You then have 10 days from the date of the confirmation letter to cancel the contract without penalty. After that time, you are subject to an Early Termination Fee if you choose to cancel a contract prior to its completion date. If you move during the term of the contract, no Early Termination Fee will apply.

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10. Why are your fixed rates different than the rates currently offered by independent natural gas marketers?

    Any price comparisons must first ensure that terms and other aspects of the 2 contracts are identical – years of the contract, sign up/administration fees, etc. Assuming the offers are equivalent, price differences can occur based on many factors, including the source of gas purchases, estimated risk premium, and economies of scale among various suppliers.

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11. What if I don't want to change over to the Fixed Rate Service?

    You do not need to do anything if you do not want to change services. We're offering a Fixed Rate Service to give our customers greater choice for primary natural gas purchases. Our menu of Primary Gas offerings still includes the quarterly rate service, which will continue to be our default option for new and existing customers.

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12. What business practices will be followed in marketing this service?

    We have developed a Standard of Conduct that describes the marketing and business practices that we will follow when offering the Fixed Rate Service to customers. You can request a copy of the document by calling us at 1-888-MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376) or view our Standard of Conduct.

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13. What other companies are offering Primary Gas in Manitoba, and how do I find out about their rates?

    Natural gas marketers doing business in the province must be registered with the Manitoba Public Utilities Board.

    • View the PUB's list of currently registered natural gas marketers.
    • View current and historic Primary Gas rates for natural gas marketers and Manitoba Hydro Centra Gas.

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14. What are the rates being offered by Manitoba Hydro?

    Click here for Primary Gas rates currently offered by Manitoba Hydro.

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