The reality of reliable Energy for Life
How we make it. How we move it. How you use it.
Most of the power we generate in Manitoba comes from a vast network of rivers and lakes.
Enlarge image: Aerial photo of Keeyask generating station on the Nelson River.
Electricity might seem simple. Flip a switch, and the lights come on. But behind that convenience is an incredibly complex and costly electricity system that needs to be running so you have power when you need it. From engineers to technicians, our skilled teams work hard to keep all the parts of this system operating safely, 24 hours a day, in all conditions throughout the year.
Our electricity system has three main parts: generation, transmission, and distribution. All three are interconnected, and each one demands constant care and planning to keep the power flowing.
Generation: making electricity
Almost all the electricity we produce – up to 97 per cent – comes from water. Most of our power is made in northern Manitoba where our hydro dams use the flow of rivers to spin turbines and generate power. We also use other sources, like wind and solar, to help meet demand and keep the system balanced.
Pointe du Bois Generating Station on the Winnipeg River was built back in 1911 and is being upgraded now through the PREP project.
Enlarge image: A hydroelectric generating station in a snowy, winter landscape.
The reality
Generation facilities are built to last a long time, but like a house or car (only on a mega-scale) they need maintenance and refurbishment. Parts wear out, technology changes and equipment needs upgrades. We are continually monitoring all our facilities to determine when to repair a part or system and when it makes more sense to replace it.
Transmission: moving electricity
Once electricity is made, we need to move it to where you need it, sometimes over very long distances. That’s where our transmission system comes in.
We use over 15,000 kilometres of high-voltage lines to move electricity efficiently across the province. Over 70 per cent of the electricity generated in Manitoba is moved from generating stations in the north to customers in the south by our High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) system.
More than 70 per cent of the electricity powering Manitoba moves through our HVDC System.
Enlarge image: Steel transmission towers in a hazy prairie landscape.
The reality
Transmission equipment is large and expensive. HVDC equipment in particular is highly specialized and in high demand. Our team carefully maintains the equipment we have to maximize its use, while preparing to replace parts when needed.
Distribution: energy you can use
The last step is delivering electricity to you.
Our distribution system connects power to your homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals, community centres and all the other places you rely on having energy. In cities, this often means a mix of substations full of equipment and dense networks of underground wire and overhead cable. In rural areas, it means long stretches of overhead lines across wide distances, often in remote locations.
Our network of distribution lines spans over 75,000 km across the province.
Enlarge image: Distribution poles along a rural road surrounded by trees.
The reality
The distribution system has its own challenges. Severe weather can damage poles and wires, and older equipment wears out over time. Our crews work hard to keep everything running smoothly and respond quickly when issues come up.
In Winnipeg, we are upgrading our distribution network. Last year we removed a huge switchgear building, dating back to the 1960s, to make way for a modern replacement.
The big picture
Turbines, lines, poles, cables and substations are expensive to build and maintain. Keeping our system running safely and reliably requires continuous monitoring, maintenance and investment. Our goal is to balance cost, reliability and safety so we can continue providing you affordable energy.
We’re committed to providing Energy for Life. From generating electricity to delivering it to your home, and we’re proud to provide the safe, reliable energy you count on every day.
As the energy landscape evolves, we evolve with it. And we will continue to make strategic investments in our system, including new energy resources.
Delivering Energy for Life is essential work. It takes thousands of skilled employees and billions of dollars in infrastructure to generate and deliver power across Manitoba. With more than 5,500 employees, Manitoba Hydro is proudly made up of Manitobans serving Manitobans.
Everything we do is guided by our core values: safety, security, reconciliation and care for the environment. These values shape our decisions, our priorities and the way we serve you every day.
