[a St. Paul street address]
Feb. 7, 2000

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 7th Place E., Ste.350
St. Paul, MN 55101-2147

Dear Staff:

Allow us to speak to the issue relating to NSP's application for Manitoba Hydro electricity, as per Docket # E-002/M-99-888.

We deem a new contract between these two entities as harmful to us as well as our neighbors to the North.

Not only does such an arrangement reduce incentives for development of renewable energy sources but it destroys boreal forests and northern Manitoba river systems.

Costs for NSP in dollars does not match cost to citizens in Minnesota and Manitoba for years to come.

It is our duty as conscientious citizens to call attention to these facts and to protest the contract renewal.

Sincerely,

A. and C. Johnson

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February 12, 2000

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 7th Place East, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55101-2147

Re: Docket # E-002/M-99-888

Dear Members of the Public Utilities Commission:

I am writing this letter to oppose approval of a new contract between Northern States Power Company and Manitoba Hydro. There are enough unanswered questions about the environmental and human effects involved in the generation of hydroelectricity in the Nelson/Churchill River basins to warrant extensive further investigation.

The rights of indigenous peoples and the possible destruction of the fragile subarctic ecology are of deep concern to me and, I am sure, to most Minnesotans. Our growing dependence over the past twenty years on electricity from Manitoba makes thorough study of its true cost a matter of deep urgency. Therefore I strongly oppose approval of a new contract until such study can be completed.

Sincerely,
[a St. Paul resident]
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February 12, 2000
RE: Docket #E-002/M-99-888

Mr. Edward Garvey
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 7th Place East, Suite 350
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101-2147

Dr. Mr. Garvey:

Last month I wrote to your chairman, Gregory Scott. Now I understand that you need further evidence of opposition to N.S.P.'s purchase of power from Manitoba Hydro.

In 1970, I took a train trip from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba. I was in awe of the pristine landscape on that journey.

Imagine how appalled I was this past autumn when I saw photos of the proliferation of hydroelectric dams in that area!

In utter dismay, upon hearing the Councillor of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation at my place of worship in December, I urge you to become informed about this exploitation of the Cree people.

After that, I have no doubt you will refuse permission to Northern States Power Company, as they seek to continue to purchase more "cheap electricity" at the expense of the Cree Nation and the formerly magnificent beauty of that area of Canada.

Most sincerely,
[a White Bear Lake resident}

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[This is from a St. Paul resident.]

February 12, 2000

Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 7th Place East, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55101-2147

Re: Docket # E-002/M-99-888

Dear Members of the Public Utilities Commission:

I am writing this letter to oppose approval of a new contract between Northern States Power Company and Manitoba Hydro. There are enough unanswered questions about the environmental and human effects involved in the generation of hydroelectricity in the Nelson/Churchill River basins to warrant extensive further investigation.

The rights of indigenous peoples and the possible destruction of the fragile subarctic ecology are of deep concern to me and, I am sure, to most Minnesotans. Our growing dependence over the past twenty years on electricity from Manitoba makes thorough study of its true cost a matter of deep urgency. Therefore I strongly oppose approval of a new contract until such study can be completed.

Sincerely,


Rhoda G.

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[This is from a White Bear Lake resident.]

February 12, 2000
RE: Docket #E-002/M-99-888

Mr. Edward Garvey
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
121 7th Place East, Suite 350
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101-2147

Dr. Mr. Garvey:

Last month I wrote to your chairman, Gregory Scott. Now I understand that you need further evidence of opposition to N.S.P.'s purchase of power from Manitoba Hydro.

In 1970, I took a train trip from Winnipeg to Churchill, Manitoba. I was in awe of the pristine landscape on that journey.

Imagine how appalled I was this past autumn when I saw photos of the proliferation of hydroelectric dams in that area!

In utter dismay, upon hearing the Councillor of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation at my place of worship in December, I urge you to become informed about this exploitation of the Cree people.

After that, I have no doubt you will refuse permission to Northern States Power Company, as they seek to continue to purchase more "cheap electricity" at the expense of the Cree Nation and the formerly-magnificent beauty of that area of Canada.

Most sincerely,

P.D.

Copies to: R. Marshall Johnson
Joel Jacobs
LeRoy Koppendrayer