What we heard in round 4

In spring 2023, we connected with our customers and interested parties for our final round of engagement before completing the Integrated Resource Plan report. Workshops were held with specific interested parties and update emails were sent to approximately 5,000 subscribers. We discussed the completed modelling results, and shared the draft road map which included learnings, near-term actions and signposts.

Below is a summary of what we heard in round 4 and how it was incorporated into our Integrated Resource Planning process.

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback.

Completed Modelling and Analysis

We shared the completed modelling and analysis results used to develop our road map and near-term actions, including updated results from analysis of various sensitivities. This closed the loop on the initial modelling results shared in round 3 engagement.

Road map

We shared the draft road map, which will help us to successfully navigate the changing energy landscape. This road map included three main components:

  1. Learnings – the knowledge we’ve gained from the Integrated Resource Planning process.
  2. Near-term actions – the actions to be started now and completed over the next five years.
  3. Signposts – the changes in the energy landscape we will continue to monitor moving forward, including policy, the market, technology and customer trends, so we can adapt the plan if needed.

Collectively, the road map will guide how Manitoba Hydro monitors, prepares for and responds to the changing energy landscape.

Learnings

Learnings summarize key insights gained through the process of developing the Integrated Resource Plan. They are based on data and evidence incorporating what we’ve learned from engagement, modelling and analysis, customer input and feedback, and government policies. The six learnings represent the fundamental takeaways from the Integrated Resource Plan process and inform the near-term actions and signposts.

Near-Term Actions

The five near-term actions were developed based on the learnings. Some actions look to take us along a more direct path towards decisions and implementation, while others investigate potential future investments and options to meet increased demand. The five near-term actions are supported by 19 sub-actions associated with them. The actions are developed to be started now and completed in five years. We will need to fully plan and prioritize each action and some actions will require more effort to achieve than others.

We asked if there any draft near-term actions requiring clarification and which near-term actions are a priority for you and why. We heard the near-term actions are comprehensive but the scope needed to be clarified for further understanding. Participants also expressed they would like to continue engaging with us. In a survey sent out to all session participants and 5,000 email subscribers, the top two near-term actions selected as a priority were:

  1. 1.2 Pursue high-value energy efficiency measures in collaboration with Efficiency Manitoba
  2. 5.3 Explore potential long-term role for new technologies such as energy storage, carbon capture and storage, hydrogen-fuelled combustion turbines, biomass, small modular rectors.

Signposts

After implementation of the road map, four signposts will be monitored and reported on: Government Actions, Customer Decisions, Zero Emission Vehicles and Technologies & Markets. Signposts are indicators which tell us about the timing, pace, magnitude, or type of changes happening in the changing energy landscape. By actively monitoring signposts, we can look for trends to anticipate and understand when and how changes in the energy transition are occurring. Such insights may cause us to prioritize, expedite or delay, modify or update, add or remove near-term actions.

We asked which signposts will have the biggest influence on the changing energy landscape in Manitoba and most indicated Government Actions will have the largest influence.

Next Steps

The feedback received in round four for the draft road map confirmed we are considering the right near-term actions and signposts to prepare for future energy demand in the changing energy landscape at this time. This summer, we will be publishing the Integrated Resource Plan Report, which is a step towards planning for the future energy needs of our customers and Manitobans. After the report is published, the next step is to implement the 2023 Integrated Resource Plan road map including prioritizing, planning, and scheduling the near-term actions, as well as develop a process for monitoring and reporting on the signposts. We will also be reaching out about additional opportunities to participate in the planning and execution of near-term actions in the near future.

For the latest on our Integrated Resource Planning process visit Integrated Resource Plan.

Contact us

For more information about the Integrated Resource Planning process, email us.