Despite its reputation as one of Canada’s cleanest electric grids, Manitoba Hydro used more natural gas-fuelled electricity in the last 12 months than it has in a decade.

A perfect storm of drought conditions and high electricity import costs resulted in the province firing up its backup natural gas power earlier and significantly more often to keep up with demand.

In the midst of the growing power crunch, Manitoba Hydro, which boasts one of the cleanest grids in the country, is banking on fossil fuels long into the future — and it lacks a clear path toward building an arsenal of renewable sources.

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Hopefully the New NDP Premier will give hydro the go ahead. Maybe wind generation at Portage and Main. Canada's windy corner