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Xcel currently gets only 4% of its energy from Manitoba Hydro,
but is negotiating to increase purchases from this company.
While hydropower can be a renewable source of energy, mega-projects
such as Manitoba Hydro cause such extensive ecological and
social destruction that they do not qualify as renewable under
the definitions proposed in Minnesota and adopted in several
other states.
The majority of Xcel Energy’s electricity is now supplied
by coal (52%), with the remainder from nuclear (12%), natural
gas (9%), and other purchases (25%). Less than 2% is supplied
by wind and other renewables. It becomes increasing important
for Xcel to be in the forefront of sustainable energy to meet
new governmental standards.
Xcel’s new 12-state service territory contains abundant biomass
resources and the best wind energy potential in North America.
Numerous studies conclude that wind is cost-competitive with
traditional fossil-fuel generation and hydro imports. The
Minnesota Department of Commerce reports that wind "is
the fastest growing energy production method in the world,
renewable or otherwise, having a overall growth rate in 1999
of 36%."
Increasing renewable energy sources would allow for greater
market flexibility, improve shareholder value, and reduce
the growing threat to Xcel’s reputation as a result of its
purchasing energy from Manitoba Hydro.
Twenty four years ago, Manitoba Hydro diverted two major
rivers and re-engineered 50,000 square miles, an area about
the size of Wisconsin. Since then, unnaturally fluctuating
waters have eaten away thousands of miles of shorelines, some
of which won’t restabilize for 200 - 300 years. Islands
eroded right off the map, tribal burial grounds were exposed,
and large areas of Cree fishing and trapping grounds are despoiled
and inaccessible. Manitoba Hydro expansion plans (primarily
to meet new Xcel contracts) will greatly compound these damages.
Though Manitoba Hydro signed the 1977 Northern Flood Agreement
- committing to address adverse impacts of the dams and include
affected peoples in the project benefits - the legacy of environmental
and socio-economic deterioration continues for many indigenous
communities. Manitoba Hydro faces over 100 lawsuits claming
"adverse effects" such as a recent $100 million
lawsuit regarding contaminated drinking water.
The Pimicikamak Cree Nation lives at the epicenter of the
continuing damage. The community’s once thriving economy has
been replaced by 85% unemployment, mass poverty, hopelessness
and despair. Last year there were over 200 suicide attempts
and 8 suicides in this tribe alone, rates stated by experts
to be "astronomical."
As Manitoba Hydro’s largest customer, Xcel has been sharply
criticized by religious and political leaders, human rights
and environmental organizations, the media and consumers for
its role in contributing to this destruction. Public concern
led to a review by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
and the filing of state legislation.
By voting FOR proposal #2, shareholders can encourage Xcel
to increase renewable energy sources, open new markets, improve
the company’s brand name, and show its commitment to the environment
and human rights.
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