The Manitoba government announced approval on April 4 of the environmental license necessary for the development of the Manitoba-Minnesota Transmission Project (MMTP).
Construction of the 500-kilovolt power line is already underway in Minnesota and construction of the Manitoba portion is set to begin as soon as possible, with a target of June 2020 for completion. The line will also double Manitoba Hydro’s import capability, improving reliability in power emergencies and lowering costs of purchased electricity during drought periods.
The National Energy Board has also reviewed the project and provided recommendations to the federal government that a certificate be issued for MMTP under The National Energy Board Act. Manitoba Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires also called on the federal government to issue the required federal certificate, needed for construction to begin.