Residents of a First Nation in northwestern Ontario are facing high electricity rates from the United States for power sourced from Manitoba Hydro, leading to uncertainty in the midst of a politically charged atmosphere.
Situated near Sioux Narrows, Animakee Wa Zhing 37, formerly known as Northwest Angle 37, is a community of around 650 Anishinaabe individuals, accessible solely by water or winter road. Windigo Island, part of this community, receives electricity from the U.S. through a long-standing arrangement.
Chief Linda McVicar expressed frustration over the situation, highlighting that her community bears some of the highest hydro costs in Canada. She criticized the practice of purchasing power from a foreign country when the electricity originates in Canada.
The existing tensions between Canada and the U.S. have added to McVicar’s concerns, particularly regarding energy, climate commitments, and domestic priorities. She cited Premier Doug Ford’s discussions about imposing tariffs on Americans, using Ontario’s energy production as leverage in negotiations.
The power generated by Manitoba Hydro flows into Windigo Island, with sales to U.S.-based utility companies like Roseau Electric Cooperative. Despite Manitoba Hydro not controlling distribution or rate-setting, export sales to the U.S. have generated significant revenue for the company, aiding in keeping Manitoba rates competitive in North America.
Windigo Island pays approximately 14.3 cents US per kilowatt hour, considerably higher than rates in neighboring regions. Monthly power bills for the community’s 16 homes and buildings can reach up to $30,000 Canadian dollars during colder months, with individual households facing bills as high as $1,000.
Efforts to address the issue have been ongoing, with Indigenous Services Canada collaborating with the community on improvements to the local power system. Funding has been allocated for the Windigo Island Overhead Power Project, aimed at identifying and addressing code deficiencies and lighting upgrades. Despite these steps, Chief McVicar maintains that integration into Canada’s electrical grid remains crucial.