The RM of Ste. Anne has decided to take advantage of the Manitoba Hydro Solar Power initiative.

Councillor Randy Eros says when MB Hydro introduced the solar energy program just over a year ago, council decided to take part and they put out a request for proposals. Three proposals came in and they decided to go with a local company.

"The 30-kilowatt system is being put up by AC/DC Utilities, a local solar energy firm. They've added some infrastructure, so there's a carport. Not only is it a solar array, but it adds shelter for vehicles on our lot."

The cost for the whole system is $115,000 and after completion, the rebate from MB Hydro will be $28,000. Eros says the municipality has received funds from MB Hydro through the Bipole III program, as MB Hydro allocated funds to municipalities who were affected by its layout.

"We thought it would be an appropriate use of those funds, to take Hydro money and use it to create electricity. So that's where we are sourcing those funds out of."

Eros adds, Hydro is looking at ways for people to make use of renewable energy, and long-term council thinks it's a good idea. "It's important for local governments to lead the way with green initiatives. I think it's important for our children and grandchildren, I think it's the right thing to do, and we are quite keen on that."

The solar photovoltaic system will provide approximately 20-30% of the daily electrical usage at the RM office building, and Eros notes, it should be fully operational by the middle of April.