WINNIPEG — A review of the route chosen for the controversial multi-billion dollar Bipole III project has concluded it must proceed despite escalating costs.
“Rerouting the Bipole III transmission line down the west side of the province was obviously a wrong decision, one forced on Hydro by the previous government,” Manitoba Hydro-Electric Board Chair, Sanford Riley, said.
READ: Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister may relocate hydro lines
But that review, ordered by the newly elected conservative government in April, also concluded re-routing it down the east side of Lake Winnipeg “is no longer an option.”
An outside firm, Boston Consulting Group, worked with the board on the review.
The conservatives, while in opposition, have been against Bipole III coming down the west side of the province for years.
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In a release Wednesday Riley confirmed $2.9 billion in funding has already been committed, or spent, to date and a total cancellation would cost $7 billion.
“The Board has been left with no choice but to move forward,” Riley said.
Former chair of the Public Utilities Board, Graham Lane, said it proves what those against the project have been saying for years.
“The long and short of it is the nightmare scenario is coming true,” Lane said. “Rates will end up tripling and lower income customers of hydro will be thunderstruck.”
The project, is now expected to cost upwards of $5 billion.