Manitoba Hydro has outlined a plan that details a nine-year timeline for the construction of new wind farms aimed at boosting its power generation capacity. The plan also includes the full completion of gas-burning turbines in Brandon by 2030 to address concerns about meeting peak power demands during harsh winter conditions. Published as the 2025 integrated resource plan in early 2026, Manitoba Hydro aims to provide an additional 1,760 megawatts of electricity over the next decade through a combination of energy-saving initiatives and new infrastructure developments.
The plan, which represents more than a quarter of the current generating capacity of around 6,400 megawatts, is part of Manitoba Hydro’s efforts to ensure a reliable and sufficient energy supply for consumers. Scott Powell, the communications director at Manitoba Hydro, expressed confidence in the plan’s ability to prevent power shortages, emphasizing the corporation’s commitment to meeting the energy needs of Manitobans effectively. The plan also includes strategies to enhance existing hydroelectric facilities, introduce new natural gas turbines in Brandon, establish a battery storage project, and complete wind farms led by Indigenous-owned private companies.
In anticipation of changing conditions and evolving energy demands, Manitoba Hydro’s integrated resource plan remains a dynamic document subject to adjustments. The corporation’s collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions, such as North Dakota and Minnesota, contributes to its resilience against potential power shortages in the coming years. While the plan undergoes review by the Public Utilities Board, concerns have been raised by the Consumers Coalition regarding its relevance and inclusiveness of critical factors like climate change impacts, technological advancements, and energy efficiency opportunities.