March 13, 2026: MB Branch: Manitoba Hydro’s Perspective on Drought

Time: Friday, March 13, 2026 12PM CT

Speaker: Jason Westmacott, M.Sc., P.Eng. and Phil Slota, M.Sc., P.Eng.

Topic: Manitoba Hydro’s Perspective on Drought

Description:

Manitoba Hydro’s primary source of electricity is from hydropower. Water is the primary fuel and therefore planning for drought is key to system reliability and energy security. Drought can create challenges and impacts to communities living near waterways that need to be considered when making operating decisions. Drought also brings financial impacts through reductions in exports to neighbouring markets and increased costs for non-hydropower electricity. The development and operation of Manitoba Hydro’s energy supply and delivery system is guided by well established priorities and processes that are in place to ensure that electricity supply is available to Manitobans even under extreme drought conditions.

This presentation will provide an overview of Manitoba Hydro’s perspective on drought, the information and tools used to quantify water supply conditions and plan hydropower operations, and the challenges faced in managing its operations under drought conditions.