Brandon on track for 100 MW energy boost

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This article was published 04/01/2025 (360 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As Brandon grows, so do its energy needs.

To meet that demand, the Wheat City is on track for a significant energy capacity boost, with a planned 100-megawatt hydro upgrade set to be completed by 2027.

The initiative is being led by Manitoba Hydro with the support of the provincial government and aims to address the growing energy demands of Brandon’s industrial sector while maintaining reliable residential service.

Brandon Mayor Jeff Fawcett explained during the end-of-the-year interview with Sun’s managing editor Matt Goerzen that energy constraints faced by industrial clients have been a longstanding issue in Brandon.

“For homes, we’ve never had a hydro issue,” he pointed out. “It’s the large things. We’re a little tighter on capacity for some of the big projects — Saputo’s (Dairy Products) two megawatts. Behlen Industries is one megawatt. Maple Leaf is 17 megawatts. We’d have a tough time bringing in another Maple Leaf, but the upgrade will allow us to support large industries like Chemtrade, which uses 225 megawatts.”

Fawcett also emphasized the importance of planning, noting that efforts to secure additional industrial land are already underway. “You don’t wait for 2027 to start preparing,” Fawcett stated, adding that collaboration with Manitoba Hydro and private developers has been key in laying the groundwork for growth.

In November 2023, the governments of Canada and Manitoba announced an investment of nearly $500 million to enhance Manitoba’s clean electricity grid. This includes $314 million for eight new turbines at the Pointe du Bois Generating Station, adding 52 megawatts of capacity for eastern Manitoba, and $161.6 million for a new transmission network in Portage la Prairie.

These projects will also help reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase reliability and meet growing demand while maintaining Manitoba’s reputation for having some of Canada’s most affordable electricity rates.

Manitoba Hydro corporate communications director Scott Powell told the Sun the corporation has made “significant strides” toward installing the upgrade.

“Manitoba Hydro placed the Wash’ake Mayzoon Station in Portage la Prairie into service as part of the Portage Area Capacity Enhancement Project in 2023,” Powell told the Sun. “This project, which will eventually provide additional transmission capacity into the Brandon area, includes not just the new station, but also a new 230,000-volt transmission line from Manitoba Hydro’s Dorsey Converter Station northwest of Winnipeg to Wash’ake Mayzoon, and some other upgrades to equipment at sub-stations in the area.”

While some planning and construction work remains, including the completion of the Dorsey transmission line, Powell affirmed that Manitoba Hydro is on track to meet the deadline.

“Completion of the transmission line and associated work, currently estimated for 2027, will enhance transmission capacity into the Brandon area, allowing for population growth and economic development,” he added.

Powell explained new industrial and commercial customers would apply for service through its normal service extension process, as the organization work closely with cities, towns and municipalities across the province to support economic development.

Fawcett added that the upgrade aligns with Brandon’s broader economic goals, including the development of industrial land and the establishment of a strong partnership with Manitoba Hydro. “The minister has been forthright and supportive, and Hydro has kept us well-informed throughout the process.”

Powell assured residents that residential service will remain unaffected during construction.

“There is electrical capacity in place to ensure reliable service while the transmission upgrades are completed,” he said. “The upgrades are part of our plan to ensure future growth in the area can be accommodated.”

Finance Minister Adrien Sala, who is responsible for Manitoba Hydro, told the Sun the government is proud to have made the $90.6 million in investments that will ensure Brandon and the surrounding region can continue to grow their economy and prosper for years to come.

“Manitoba Hydro is one of the most important assets our province has when it comes to being a leader in the low-carbon economy,” Sala said on Friday. “Through our Affordable Energy Plan, our government will continue to invest in Manitoba Hydro by refurbishing generating stations and unlocking 200 megawatts of power, as well as creating an Indigenous Loan Guarantee program to bring 600 megawatts of wind power online.”

The minister explained the investments would mean more low-carbon jobs, more progress toward achieving the province’s net-zero targets and more opportunities to lower (utility) costs for working families.

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