Business

Operations to resume at Manitoba Hydro International, after 2021 shutdown

Operations to resume at Manitoba Hydro International, after 2021 shutdown
(photo courtesy Manitoba Hydro)

Manitoba Hydro in Canada will resume operations of its international consulting business Manitoba Hydro International (MHI), Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced.

“Our government is committed to keeping Manitoba Hydro public to keep rates affordable for families,” said Sala. “The previous government got rid of Manitoba Hydro International, despite the fact that it generates revenue for Hydro and helps keep rates lower. We are pleased to see Manitoba Hydro International starting back up again today.”

Manitoba Hydro International is a fully owned subsidiary of Manitoba Hydro that was incorporated in 1998 to provide utility consulting and technology solutions and products to international clients. In February 2021, a reorganization of Manitoba Hydro International included the decision to wind down operations.

Now, MHI will begin the process to reinstate the full scope of its operations bidding on energy projects around the world in fields such as technical and advisory services and international power line technician training, the minister noted.

“This decision presents two opportunities. First, it provides an additional source of revenue to further support energy affordability in Manitoba,” said Ben Graham, chair, Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board. “The second is that restarting MHI enables us to share our expertise globally and provide important support through energy management consulting and services to other utilities and other organizations around the world and creates good jobs for Manitobans while doing it.”

MHI expects to add positions to its staff over the next three to four years, the minister said.

For over 20 years, MHI provided services and products to clients in over 120 countries, building capacity in Manitoba’s high-tech power industry, the minister noted.

About 97% of Manitoba’s electricity is generated from clean hydro, with most of the remaining 3% coming from wind generation.