Manitoba Hydro eyes first steps toward EV charger network

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This article was published 13/11/2024 (332 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Hydro is “exploring” creating its own electric vehicle charging network.

Two months ago, the Manitoba government released a new energy strategy titled the Affordable Energy Plan. The document calls for Manitoba Hydro to install new electric vehicle chargers.

“Manitoba Hydro is already in the process of exploring what that could look like,” Peter Chura, a spokesman for the Crown corporation, wrote in a statement.

There are few details, he continued. Costs, timelines, energy usage and potential placement of stations are all being considered in the planning process.

“We recognize (this) could increase demand on our electricity grid,” Chura wrote. “It’s important we plan carefully to ensure we continue to supply all Manitobans with safe and reliable electricity while helping Manitobans adopt EVs in greater numbers.”

The Manitoba Electric Vehicle Association has noticed an increase in EV sales since the province announced in July rebates on new and pre-owned electric vehicle purchases.

The association’s president believes the number of EV chargers in Winnipeg doesn’t meet demand. However, Manitoba Hydro installing its own may not be helpful, James Hart said.

“I don’t think Hydro should be competing with the private enterprises,” he stated.

Companies don’t make much profit from chargers; if there’s competition with Hydro, businesses may pull their machines, leaving the cost of chargers in the city on ratepayers, Hart explained.

Manitobans would see greater benefit if Hydro partnered with communities and businesses to speed up installation, permitting and inspections of privately owned chargers, he added.

Winnipeg has roughly 20 Level 3 chargers — deemed the fastest for charging — for public use, Hart said. More are on the way. Charge Hub, a website tracking EV chargers, counts 323 Level 2 and 3 options in Winnipeg.

Manitoba houses upwards of 100 Level 3 chargers, Hart estimated. Northern communities and some rural areas are severely lacking, he noted.

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He’d like to see Manitoba Hydro erect chargers in areas that are “cost prohibitive” for private companies, like the North. Rural residents often opt for plug-in hybrid over electric rides because of a lack of chargers, Hart said.

A handful of utilities own EV charging networks, including BC Hydro, Hydro-Quebec and NB Power.

Manitoba saw a 92 per cent year-over-year increase in zero-emission vehicle registrations this spring compared to last, according to Statistics Canada data. There were 440 battery electric vehicle registrations in 2024’s second quarter.

Manitoba’s affordable energy plan includes promises of nation-to-nation wind power partnerships with Indigenous governments and more financial incentives for ratepayers, among other things.

gabrielle.piche@winnipegfreepress.com

Gabrielle Piché
Reporter

Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle.

Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press‘s tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press’s history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates.