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Energy Matters

Electricity and natural gas news for Manitoba Hydro customers
February 2012 Vol 12 No 2

Power Smart Tip

A ceiling fan can help lower your energy bill. In winter it pushes warm air down and in summer it reduces the need for air conditioning.

Scott A. Thomson new Hydro President and CEO

Scott A. Thomson was recently introduced as the incoming President and CEO of Manitoba Hydro and will assume his duties on February 13.

Thomson, 48, comes to Hydro from Fortis BC Holding Inc., a major natural gas and electric utility in British Columbia, where he was Executive Vice-President, Finance, Regulatory Affairs and Energy Supply and Chief Financial Officer.

He has worked in the energy utility business since 1999, first with Terasen Gas Inc. and subsequently with Fortis BC when Terasen was acquired by Fortis in 2007. Prior to that, Thomson worked with the accounting firms of Clarkson Gordon and Ernst & Young LLP. He is a chartered accountant, with an honours degree in business administration from the University of Western Ontario.

"I look forward to working with all Hydro employees to continue to develop the energy infrastructure that will serve the next generation of Manitobans," said Thomson. "I am certainly excited about the prospect of getting involved with the new development projects and working with the team of Hydro people already moving these projects forward."

Thomson — whose wife, Silvia and their son and daughter will move to Winnipeg in June — is already taking a liking to his new home.

"I've been delighted by the warm reception of Manitobans I have met so far," said Thomson. "I am looking forward to attending some hockey games and getting caught up in the buzz of the city and to learning more about the province, as well as the corporation and its people."

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Safe snowmobiling makes for happy trails

For many Manitobans, the joy of snowmobiling is an essential part of winter. Fresh air, powdery snow and kilometres of trail make for an exhilarating experience. The key to a great ride though is safety — make it your first priority. Here are some suggestions:

  • Drive at a moderate speed and focus on the trail ahead. This will help you avoid hazards.
  • Watch for hidden obstacles like guy wires that are attached to hydro poles, particularly when travelling through ditches. Sometimes a guy wire may be covered by snow or the reflective markers attached to it have been damaged or removed.
  • Stay on the trail; do not trespass. Private property and unmarked terrain can contain unexpected and deadly hazards.
  • Stay away from generating stations or dams. Fluctuating water levels and currents may result in unstable ice conditions.
  • Pack a first aid kit as well as a knife, area map, compass, lighter, matches, flashlight, whistle and food on every ride. These items will come in handy if you or your passenger get hurt, run out of gas or get lost.

Safety makes every snowmobiling season fun. View more seasonal safety tips.

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Keep your natural gas meter clear of ice and snow

Regardless of the temperature this winter, it's crucial to regularly check your natural gas meter and the accompanying pressure regulator set for ice and snow buildup. Ice and snow can block a meter's vents and cause excess gas pressure to flow into the house and, ultimately, create a dangerous situation.

If there is ice buildup on any part of the natural gas meter, or the pressure regulator set, do not try to remove it by kicking or hitting the equipment. Instead, call us immediately at 1-888 -MBHYDRO (1-888-624-9376) to arrange for our staff to remove the ice.

It's important to maintain the area around your natural gas meter and pressure regulator set to protect it from other weather-related damage.

  • Clean and repair eavestroughs regularly to prevent melting ice and snow from dripping onto the meter. A thaw and freeze cycle could encase it in ice.
  • When shovelling or using a snow blower, pile snow well away from your meter — and your neighbour's!
  • After a heavy snowfall, gently clear the equipment with a broom or your hand.

While outdoor natural gas meters and/or pressure regulator sets are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions it's still necessary to protect them from ice and snow buildup. Remember that a little effort goes a long way when it comes to safety.

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Fort Garry Women's Resource Centre

Fort Garry Women's Resource Centre (FGWRC) is a non-profit organization committed to creating a community where women and children are safe, healthy, valued and empowered. FGWRC offers free supportive counselling, information and referrals, workshops and outreach programs.

For more information call 204-477-1123 or visit their website.

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