ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Manitoba Hydro International has been hired to help Newfoundland and Labrador review the Muskrat Falls hydro project with a view to determining the cheapest option for supplying power to customers.

Newfoundland's public utilities board is asking experts from the western utility to compare Muskrat Falls with its current electricity system, as well as other possible power sources.

The board has been looking at documents from project proponent Nalcor since mid-June and the Manitoba utility company will review all of the data and analysis already done on the $6.2-billion proposal.

Commissioners are also planning to post dates for public hearings starting in October.

The provincial government is expecting a final report by Dec. 30.

Manitoba Hydro International is a subsidiary of Manitoba Hydro, the province's Crown energy utility.