The City of Morden is lobbying to allow organizations, other than Manitoba Hydro, the right to sell electricity for electric car charging stations.

Morden will present a resolution on the issue at this year's annual Association of Manitoba Municipalities' convention later in November.

Morden Mayor Ken Wiebe explains while the city could install charging stations, it would be at the cost of the taxpayer.

"We don't believe that's fair," said Wiebe.

As per section 15.2 of the Manitoba Hydro Act: no person other than the corporation shall engage in the retail supply of power in Manitoba.

It would leave Morden in the situation of having car charging stations in Morden without the right to send users a bill for the service.

"When you pull up to gas pump there is no one there to subsidize your purchase or to pay for your purchase," said Wiebe.

One of the city's initiatives is to become more 'green', and Wiebe explained having charging stations would welcome more electric vehicles, and in turn, help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

"The City of Morden has a focus on performing our services with the lowest impact on the environment while doing so in the most economical way, just take the three stream waste collection, a close to 50% reduction in waste to landfill," said City Manager John Scarce.

Wiebe explained the end goal is to see charging station users help cover electricity costs.

The annual AMM convention will be held November 27-29 in Brandon.