The document, prepared by Hydro's transmission business unit and leaked to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation January 28, 2011, estimates the cost of the line and converter stations at just over $4.1 billion.

The increased costs come mostly from the 132% rise in costs of two converter stations, not from the line itself and therefore most of the additional costs will accrue regardless of whether the line is built on the East or West side of Lake Winnipeg.

The Bipole III route has been the subject of controversy at the Manitoba legislature since the government decided in 2007 that Hydro would build the line along the western edge of the province. The Manitoba Government argued that an east-side line would jeopardize the pristine boreal forest east of Lake Winnipeg and could result in legal wrangling from east side First Nations and international environmental organizations.

Despite years of planning since 2004, the Manitoba government has been slow to move towards the intended 4 million hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site on the East Side of Lake Winnipeg.