Manitoba Hydro investing up to $1.2 billion to renew substations
Projects will result in greater electrical system reliability and fewer outages
Manitoba Hydro is performing major upgrades in and around 41 electrical substations in Winnipeg, and one in Brandon, through a long-term infrastructure renewal program.
The investment, estimated at up to $1.2 billion over 15 to 20 years, is modernizing aging infrastructure to improve safety and reliability and reduce maintenance costs. Customers will benefit from a more resilient electrical distribution system and fewer outages.
Substations connect high-voltage transmission lines to the local distribution network that serves homes and businesses. Many Winnipeg substations are nearing the end of their service life or operating close to capacity. Renewal is essential to maintaining reliable service.
“Reliable electricity is something our customers count on every day, whether they’re powering their homes, running a business or accessing essential services,” said Manitoba Hydro Interim President and CEO Hal Turner. “By renewing aging substations and electrical infrastructure, we’re strengthening the power system, reducing the risk of outages and improving reliability.”
For example, Notre Dame substation has been in service since 1964. This project will decommission the aging equipment and transfer service to McPhillips substation, a newer facility. Over the next 3 years, the Notre Dame project will also involve replacing about 600 poles, 200 transformers, 25 km of overhead power line and 1 to 1.5 km of underground cable.
The Notre Dame substation project serves about 930 residential, 360 commercial, and 40 industrial customers in the Omand’s Creek Industrial, Brooklands, and St James Industrial areas.
Other substation projects underway include Berry, Cavalier and Dawson substations; projects at University and De Bourmont substations were completed in 2023 and 2024 respectively.
Some projects require planned power outages, temporary road closures and other short-term disruptions to allow crews to complete work safely. Manitoba Hydro will provide project updates and advance notice to affected homes and businesses.
Customers can visit the Substation Renewal section of the Manitoba Hydro website to learn more about the program. Each active project will also have its own page with information and the opportunity to subscribe to email updates.
For more information, please contact:
Peter Chura, Media Relations Officer
431-323-4511
pchura@hydro.mb.ca
