Converter stations
A lot of Manitoba’s electricity is produced by our northern hydroelectric generating stations on the Nelson River. The electricity travels long distances on bipole transmission lines to southern Manitoba as high-voltage direct current.
It is more efficient and economical to transmit electricity as high-voltage direct current. Our northern converter stations change alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) for transmission, and our southern converter stations then change it back to AC.
Dorsey
Dorsey converter station is in Rosser and is the southern end point for Bipoles I and II. Over 70% of electricity produced in Manitoba is transmitted through Dorsey.
Dorsey received its first transmission from Bipole I in June 1972.
The converter station was named after Professor John Dorsey, who taught electrical engineering at the University of Manitoba from 1912 to 1952. Professor Dorsey was well known for his work on electrical transmission.
Henday
Henday converter station is north of Gillam and is the northern end point of Bipole II.
Henday first transmitted energy in October 1978 as part of Bipole II.
The station was named after Anthony Henday, an 18th century trader who worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company.
Keewatinohk
Keewatinohk converter station is northeast of Gillam and is the northern end point of Bipole III. Pronounced Kee-way-tin-oohk, the word is Cree for the north.
Keewatinohk first transmitted energy in April 2018 as part of Bipole III.
Radisson
Radisson converter station is north of Gillam and is the northern end point for Bipole I.
Radisson first transmitted energy in March 1971 as part of Bipole I.
Riel
Riel converter station is located east of Winnipeg. It is the southern end point for Bipole III.
Riel received its first transmission from Bipole III in July 2018.
Transmission explained
Learn more about transmission and its valuable role in delivering the reliable, affordable energy you count on.
What is transmission? How does it fit into our system?
Watch to learn where our electricity comes from and how it gets to the places we use it.
Play video: “What is transmission? How does it fit into our system?”. (1:52)The value of electricity exports
Watch our video to learn more about transmission connections and the value of exports to our customers.
Play video: “The value of electricity exports”. (2:26)The value of reliability
Watch our video to learn more about transmission connections and the value they provide our customers by enhancing reliability.
Play video: “The value of reliability”. (2:14)Why does Manitoba need new transmission?
Watch to learn how the demand for electricity has increased and how we need to change our system to accommodate the growing need.
Play video: “Why does Manitoba need new transmission?”. (2:28)How do we develop transmission lines?
Watch to learn how we work with communities to minimize the effects of transmission lines on people and the environment.
Play video: “How do we develop transmission lines?”. (2:29)