Manitoba Hydro rates jump by 3.36% in August

Manitobans will see a 3.36 per centincrease in their hydro bills starting Aug. 1.

That'sabout$2.83 more for the averageManitobanwithout electric heating who uses about1,000 kilowatthoursper month, Manitoba Hydro said in a news release.

• Manitoba Hydro applies for interim 3.95% rate hike in 2016
• Manitoba Hydro makes case for 3.95% rate increase to PUB
• Manitoba Hydro seeks 3.95% rate increase for 2015 and 2016

Those with electric heating using an average of 2,000 kilowatt hours per monthwill see anincrease of about $5.41 per month, the utility said.

The Public Utilities Board approved the increase on Thursday.

"We are pleased with today's order issued by the PUB," said Manitoba Hydro presidentand CEO Kelvin Shepherd in a news release. "The PUB continues to recognize the need for moderate,predictable annual rate increases over a number of years."

Manitoba Hydro filed at least two applications withthe board to have the rates increased by 3.95 per cent in 2015 and 2016. Hydro argued at the time that the increases wereneeded to ensure a safe, reliable supply of electricity in Manitoba.

The board approved the3.95 per cent hikein 2015, which went into effect on Aug.1.

• Manitoba Hydro makes case for 3.95% rate increase to PUB
• Hydro rates will increase Aug. 1 for Manitobans

The crown corporation had already been granted a 3.5 per cent increase in 2013 and an interim increase of 2.75 per cent in 2014.

The rate increases will help the provincial power utility fund multi-billion-dollarprojects, includingthe Bipole III ReliabilityProject and the construction of the Keeyask Generating Station,the news release said.