Corporate Profile

Manitoba Hydro

• major energy utility headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, owned by the government of the Province of Manitoba
• capital assets-in-service at original cost exceed $10 billion
• lowest electricity rates in North America
• 5 000 megawatts of installed hydroelectric generating capacity
• virtually all energy is from clean, self-renewing water power produced at 14 hydroelectric generating stations located on the Nelson, Winnipeg, Saskatchewan and Laurie rivers

Core environmental, social and economic principles

• guided by sustainable development principles
• aggressive commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in our operations. Since 1990, cumulative reductions in emissions are more than 850,000 tons
• by displacing electricity produced from the burning of fossil fuels, Manitoba hydropower helps the global environment by limiting greenhouse gas production and other emissions that cause acid rain and smog. View greenhouse gas emissions production from various energy sources

• Manitoba Hydro’s power exports to the US are estimated to have displace more than 172 million tons of greenhouse gases from fossil fuel burning thermal plants

Hydroelectric development principles

• seek maximum public participation and input from affected and interested parties when evaluating hydroelectric developments and programs - before decision made on a course of action
• invest in research and testing of technologies that make electricity more efficient, more economic and environmentally sound
• daily business practices to conserve ecological processes and biological diversity

• constantly improve work methods
• consider environmental effects that occur outside Manitoba  

Northern commitment

• work jointly with Aboriginal and northern communities in planning and assessing potential impacts of new developments and in ensuring local people share in the benefits of future hydro projects
• foster long-term economic development
• address impacts of hydroelectric development with Aboriginal communities based on mutual respect and cooperation
• approximately 500 employees in northern Manitoba

Regulatory compliance

• comply with nearly 200 current federal and provincial acts and regulations

• 2004 Canadian Energy Efficiency Alliance awards to Manitoba Hydro and Manitoba for achieving highest grade in Canada for commitment to energy efficiency and promotion of wise energy use in the marketplace
• five consecutive years Gold Champion Level Reporter, Canada's Climate Change Voluntary Challenge and Registry
• named top performer among Canadian electrical utilities in fight against climate change (2000) by the Pembina Institute, a leading Canadian environmental think-tank.
• Manitoba Hydro's Geothermal Heat Pump (Earth Power) Program recognized as national leader by the David Suzuki Foundation
• currently constructing a new head office building in downtown Winnipeg that will be a world leader in energy efficiency and sustainability

View more information on Manitoba Hydro's Environmental programs and activities at www.hydro.mb.ca/environment.