A new dual‑fuel combustion turbine facility in Brandon has formally been referred to the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for independent review and recommendations, Finance Minister Adrien Sala, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, announced today.
The proposed turbine facility, which would produce 750 megawatts, now enters the next required step in the regulatory approval process for major new generation facilities. The PUB’s review will assess the need for the project, potential alternatives and possible impacts on electricity rates before any final decisions are considered by cabinet.
“Combined with our historic investment in 600 megawatts of majority Indigenous-owned wind power, these new turbines will help us keep electricity rates low for families and businesses as we grow the economy,” said Sala.
The proposed major new facility is based on Manitoba Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which identified the need for additional generation capacity to maintain system reliability over the long term. According to Hydro’s website, the IRP prioritizes dual-fuel or fuel-adaptable facilities that can also run on alternative energy sources such as hydrogen.
Hydro says these new turbine units will be at the Brandon Generating Station.
