Manitoba Hydro Undertaking $445 Million Network Modernization

Manitoba Hydro Undertaking $445 Million Network Modernization

March 2, 2017

The utility plans to reduce the number of overloaded stations to 20% by 2020, reports the Journal of Commerce. About 20 projects have been identified, some involve load only transfers to new stations.

Of the 97 stations in Winnipeg alone, Manitoba Hydro says 37 are operating beyond their technical limitations; 8 stations are more than 60 years old.

One modernization project involves a reconstruction and expansion of the McPhillips distribution station in northwest Winnipeg (shown in photo). This project is being built on existing Manitoba Hydro land next to one of Winnipeg’s two casinos and will include relocating the distribution equipment to the newly expanded yard, replacing the existing two transformers with three new transformers, adding a capacitor bank, constructing a new control building, and reconnecting feeder lines to the new equipment.

The work is required as the existing two transformers in the station cannot handle any increase in load due to growth in the area, Manitoba Hydro public affairs officer Bruce Owen told the Journal of Commerce. Safety improvements will also be made.

While the McPhillips Station contains both transmission and distribution equipment areas in the station yard, this project will replace only the distribution equipment. Construction work on the $47.2-million project started in spring 2016 and is scheduled to be completed by fall 2018.

Photo courtesy of Manitoba Hydro.

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Mac’s II Agencies Strengthens Lighting Division

    Mac’s II Agencies Strengthens Lighting Division

    March 19, 2025 Mac’s II Agencies Announces Jamie Capell as the New Sales Manager for Lighting Specification Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce the expansion of its lighting division with the addition of Jamie Capell as the Sales Manager for Lighting Specification. Jamie brings 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, most notably… Read More…

  • RENO Lighting Announce New Vice President of Sales

    RENO Lighting Announce New Vice President of Sales

    March 19, 2025 It is with great excitement that RENO introduce Jean-Claude Lespérance as Vice President of Sales at RENO Lighting. With over 35 years of experience in the Canadian electrical industry, Jean-Claude brings unrivalled knowledge of the market and strong relationship with key industry stakeholders, suppliers, and customers. Holding a college diploma in Electrodynamics… Read More…

  • Canada Invests in Deep Energy Retrofits for Affordable Housing in Hamilton

    Canada Invests in Deep Energy Retrofits for Affordable Housing in Hamilton

    March 13, 2025 There is a need and an opportunity for Canada to strengthen energy security and affordability for all Canadians. Canada’s buildings sector is the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions across the country. By increasing the scale and pace of building retrofits, we can make homes and buildings more energy-efficient and improve reliability in units.  The federal… Read More…

  • Tesla Products Excluded from BC Hydro Incentive Program

    Tesla Products Excluded from BC Hydro Incentive Program

    March 13, 2025 CBC has reported that BC Hydro is excluding Tesla products from their EV charger incentive program. However, products purchased prior to March 12 will still be eligible. “As of March 12, Tesla chargers, energy storage batteries and inverters are not eligible for rebates, according to B.C. Hydro. Those who have purchased or… Read More…