The Public Utilities Board begins hearings today into a rate application by Manitoba Hydro that would see electricity rates rise by 7.9 per cent through to 2019.
The request takes rate hikes well past the cost of inflation and higher than the PUB has ever given out.
The company is also shedding 800 jobs, which has an impact on Manitoba's economy and will cost Hydro millions in the short term.
The accumulation of debt for these and other projects and maintenance will push the company's debt close to $25 billion in the next few years.
