Manitobans benefit from some of the lowest electricity costs in the country, with the second lowest rates for residential customers, according to a recent independent study.
Powering Ahead: Comparing Electricity Prices Across Canada by the C.D. Howe Institute, highlights significant differences in electricity pricing across Canada. Provinces powered primarily by hydroelectricity – including Manitoba – consistently report the lowest costs.
According to the findings, Manitoba ranks just behind Quebec, offering the second most affordable electricity rates for households nationwide.
The results echo the Canada Energy Regulator, which reported earlier this year that Manitobans pay an average of 10.95 cents per kilowatt hour for residential electricity, slightly more than Quebecers (8.54 cents) and considerably less than Albertans (18.71 cents).
“This report reinforces what Manitobans already experience – Manitoba Hydro’s safe, reliable, affordable electricity helps keep household costs down,” said Manitoba Hydro President and CEO Allan Danroth.
“The C.D. Howe Institute study also underlines that Manitoba’s small commercial and industrial sectors benefit from this hydroelectric energy advantage, consistently maintaining some of the lowest power costs across North America,” Danroth said.
Electricity prices vary widely across the country depending on how power is generated, transmitted, and delivered.
Hydroelectric generation forms the backbone of Manitoba’s power supply. This enables Manitoba Hydro rates that remain consistently below the national average while supporting economic growth and affordability for families and businesses.
But the report notes there are challenges ahead as demand rises and the energy landscape evolves. Increased electrification, population growth, and industrial development are expected to put additional pressure on the province’s hydroelectric system, particularly during periods of low water conditions.
“Maintaining our safe, reliable system will require significant investment in new generation, transmission infrastructure, and grid modernization – all while keeping rates affordable for customers,” Danroth said.
