Market Overview

Manitoba has traditionally been the smallest market in Canada (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia commenced consumption of natural gas in 2001). In 2001, Manitoba consumed approximately 2.0 10⁹m³(72 Bcf) of natural gas. The industrial sector represents 75% of the demand while the remainder is in the small general service sector (commercial and residential combined). Direct sales into Manitoba represented approximately 0.7 109m3 (25 Bcf) or one-third of the total demand. While there are plans for future gas-fired electrical generation, none exist at this time.

Centra Gas Manitoba is the principal natural gas utility with more than 240,000 residential customers. Approximately 14% of these customers purchase their natural gas directly from third-party marketers. Centra Gas was purchased by Manitoba Hydro in 1999 from the Westcoast Energy group. While the Centra Gas name is still used, Manitoba Hydro has been gradually integrating the common management services of the two utilities. Natural gas has been available primarily in urban areas but over the past few years various efforts have been made to increase availability in rural areas.