This article was published in April 2022 and may be outdated.
Electric vehicles are just one factor that will shape the future of energy in Manitoba.
Enlarge image: Two electric vehicles are parked on a sunny street.
An important phase in the development of Manitoba Hydro’s first-ever Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is complete.
After a survey that received almost 15,000 responses from our customers, the next phase of engagement – including focused discussions with a diverse selection of customers and workshops with interested parties – is about to begin.
An Integrated Resource Plan is a road map for making sure our electricity and natural gas supply and delivery systems meet the needs of our customers for the next 20 years and beyond.
“There are a number of ways the future might unfold,” said Terry Miles, Manitoba Hydro’s Director of Integrated Resource Planning. “Our planning process and our completed IRP will help prepare us for the future, however it may turn out.”
Developing an IRP is a big task. As a road map that helps guide the future of the organization, the final IRP must be thorough, comprehensive, and far-reaching.
As a result, developing an IRP involves several steps. The first one is engaging with the public to gather input and perspectives on current states and the future of energy in Manitoba. That first step is complete as of March 2022.
“It’s still early in the process, but with the first stage of public engagement complete, we’ve gathered a lot of information we can evaluate and incorporate into the plan,” said Lindsay Melvin, Manitoba Hydro’s manager of Integrated Resource Plan Policy and Coordination.
Good feedback and input from customers will help ensure Manitoba Hydro’s analyses and future models are accurate and reflect Manitobans’ future needs.
What we heard – some key findings from our customers
In the survey, Manitoba Hydro asked customers how they see the future of energy in this province – and what matters to them when it comes to their energy.
Initial findings show our customers tend to prioritize the value they receive for their money. Many responses focused on cost and affordability along with rate structures, while other topics of interest included environmental concerns, natural gas service, self-generation like solar, and adoption of electric vehicles.
What’s next for the IRP?
These findings will be a part of the development of the overall IRP and will inform the analysis and modelling stages of the planning process. Engagement with customers and interested parties will continue throughout.
Manitoba Hydro aims to have a completed Integrated Resource Plan by summer 2023, but work will continue on modifying and adapting that plan as the world continues to change.
“This is an ongoing, adaptive process, not just for the current IRP, but for subsequent plans,” Melvin said. “Continuing conversations with our customers and interested parties is key to the success of that process.”
Watch for more opportunities to participate in the coming months – and follow along with the plan’s development (including results of surveys and other conversations with customers like you).