By Cynthia Hyrich, Public Sector Account Officer
Under the current privacy legislation, essential services payment histories (such as hydro,
telephone and cable) cannot be reflected on a credit bureau. However this payment history may
be another valuable tool in assuring you are renting your suites to the best applicants.
Manitoba Hydro is able to provide their customers with a credit reference letter that may be used
by property managers to determine payment history on potential renters. Additionally, upon
written request by the customer, Manitoba Hydro will provide a credit reference letter to both the
requesting customer and a third party.
In order to issue the credit reference letter directly to the customer, Manitoba Hydro requires that
the customer send written authorization, including his or her Manitoba Hydro account number,
gas and/or electric (please specify) to their local Manitoba Hydro district office. A request may
also be e-mailed or faxed. Manitoba hydro will then mail the credit reference letter directly to the
customer or the letter can be picked up at their local Manitoba Hydro office.
If the credit reference letter is to be forwarded directly to a third party, the customer must send
written authorization, including his or her Manitoba Hydro account number, name and address of
third party, and gas and/or electric (please specify) to Manitoba Hydro. A copy of the credit
reference letter will be forwarded to both the third party and the customer.
The written request must be forwarded directly to their local Manitoba Hydro office. The
customer can either have the credit letter mailed directly to them or they can pick up the letter in
person at their local Manitoba Hydro office.
The information contained in the Credit Reference Letter may only be used for the authorized
purpose of a credit reference.