The history of the electrical industry in Manitoba tells the story of expediency, foresight and public responsibility.
It began over a century ago during the pioneer days of street lighting and street railway transportation in Winnipeg.
Before long, as the novelty of the new energy source gave way to necessity, other large communities in the province wanted the benefits that electricity would bring. They received electrical service, but often at very high costs.
A few farsighted individuals saw the enormous advantages of large-scale generating facilities. Among them were a number of public spirited citizens who felt that electricity should be made available at the lowest possible cost to the consumer.
Today we are a major energy utility providing the lowest electricity rates in Canada. We operate 14 hydroelectric facilities on the Saskatchewan, Winnipeg, Laurie and Nelson rivers, two thermal and four diesel generating stations. The publication, The History of Electric Power in Manitoba, highlights some of the milestones in the electrical industry in Manitoba, as well as the development of Manitoba Hydro and some of the significant events in the utility's history.
Request a copy of this publication through Public Affairs.
Take a tour of our history by navigating through the links at the right. Or come and visit our Manitoba Electrical Museum & Education Centre in Winnipeg.
View information on the Manitoba Electrical Museum and its hours of operations.
