Add Manitoba (Canada)

[mgifford]

So there has already been some discussion on this about Manitoba Hydro https://github.com/tmrowco/electricitymap-contrib/issues/166#issuecomment-888915013

According to their site's GHG report they:

"In 2019, Manitoba Hydro’s total direct GHG emissions were estimated to be 109 kilotonnes (kt) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), a historic low."

They also report an annual GHG emission intensity factor from our electricity generation as:

"2020: 0.44 tonnes CO2e/GWh"

"CA-MB": { 
   "_source": "List of Generating Stations in BC (Wikipedia)", 
   "_url": "https://www.hydro.mb.ca/environment/greenhouse_gas/", 
   "powerOriginRatios": { 
     "biomass": 0.0, 
     "hydro": ??, 
     "wind": ??, 
     "gas": ??, 
     "unknown": 0.0
   } 

There Manitoba Hydro does export power.

The list of generating stations fro Wikipedia is here. I guess it is just a matter of adding it up and doing a PR.

[jarek]

While we are very happy with how low-carbon Manitoba's grid is, Electricity Map is focused on live, real-time carbon-equivalent intensities. We would optimally be looking for currently hourly data on how much generation is taking place at hydroelectric plants vs fossil-fuel plants. Data on how much is exported to Saskatchewan and/or USA would be great as well. Do you know if this data is public, or if not, who would be best to encourage to make it public?

[mgifford]

I don't, but this context is useful.

Likely would need to reach out to https://www.hydro.mb.ca

[brandongalbraith]

Emailed corporatecommunications@hydro.mb.ca asking if generation mix and interconnector exchange data is publicly available, will report back if I receive a reply and relatively current data is accessible for parsing.

[Kongkille]

Any updates @brandongalbraith? I'm adding this to our list of missing data overview and closing. Feel free to reopen if you receive a reply! :)

[brandongalbraith]

No updates unfortunately, will reply here if I end up getting one!

[jaredwebber]

Status update: I messaged Manitoba Hydro via Twitter inquiring about any plans to make data publicly accessible, and just received a reply stating Manitoba Hydro has no plans to participate in Electricity Maps.

[jarek]

It might be more effective to try to pitch this as a transparency measure, rather than specifically "participating in Electricity Maps"? It should be open data, especially since this is a government department (crown corporation). Also the government has changed recently, which might make various decision-makers more pliable to various pitches.

[jaredwebber]

It might be more effective to try to pitch this as a transparency measure, rather than specifically "participating in Electricity Maps"? It should be open data, especially since this is a government department (crown corporation). Also the government has changed recently, which might make various decision-makers more pliable to various pitches.

This was the intention of my message, I only meant to mention the project as an aside - though I can see how my wording could've been clearer. I followed up to confirm I'm not requesting any participation, only public data access.

Bulk of my original message:

I'm reaching out to inquire about the possibility of contributing local energy data from Manitoba to the global open-source project, Electricity Maps (https://app.electricitymaps.com/map).

I am particularly interested in understanding if there are any plans or considerations for making live-time and historical generation mix and interconnector exchange data, publicly accessible. Many other provincial energy providers, such as Hydro-Québec (e.g.: https://hydroquebec.com/documents-data/open-data/), have successfully implemented such initiatives, providing valuable insights into their energy landscapes.

Access to this type of data could be immensely beneficial for Manitobans, allowing for greater transparency and awareness of our region's energy dynamics. Additionally, it would serve as a powerful tool to demonstrate the scale of green energy being generated in Manitoba, showcasing our commitment to sustainable practices.

[brandongalbraith]

@jaredwebber Would you happen to know if Manitoba Hydro is under any legal or similar obligation to provide this data, even if not live or conveniently with an API?

[jaredwebber]

@jaredwebber Would you happen to know if Manitoba Hydro is under any legal or similar obligation to provide this data, even if not live or conveniently with an API?

I haven't found any explicit reporting requirements (though certainly possible I've missed them), so I've reached out to the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba which has (some) oversight over Manitoba Hydro to see what data they're provided, and if any of that is publicly accessible. I'll update if/when I get a reply.

Update Feb 8, 2024: Response from PUB suggests it's up to Manitoba Hydro to provide that info if they want. PUB mostly oversees electricity rates, not general reporting.

Thank you for contacting the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba. I can confirm the data you seek is data of the Utility and that this request should be through the Utility. Research can be done on our website as General Rate Applications for Manitoba Hydro Electric and Centra Gas are filed and made available online through the Public Utilities Board website, and the hearings are public through live streaming and transcripts. Some information is kept confidential, under the commercially sensitive information ruling in each hearing.