Hydro says estimated $1.2B substation renewal will reduce power outages

Reprogramming the clocks is just one part of the routine when the power goes out at Tony Amen's place. I'd say in the last month or even two months, I've had a lot of power outages, more power outages than I've had in the last five years or more. Outages can be caused by severe weather, animals and human damage, but Manitoba Hydro says aging infrastructure and equipment failure is also a factor. That's why the utility is doing work like this, replacing old poles, overhead lines, and upgrading the substations that help get power to homes and businesses. So getting this work done ensures the safety and reliability of the electrical system and fewer outages for customers. The work is being done in and around 41 electrical substations here in Winnipeg, like this one, as well as that one in Brandon. Hydro says it's spending an estimated $1.2 billion over the course of 15 to 20 years to do the upgrades. Andrew Colbeck lost power twice Friday over 12 hours. He says it can be frustrating depending on the time of day it happens. If the power goes out when I'm trying to record something or using the computer or cooking. Construction community liaison Craig Sandbrook says there will be some disruptions while the work gets done. This includes temporary road closures, work on overhead lines, and planned power outages. So we want to inform customers about that ahead of time. Hydro says the money for the substation work falls within existing budgets. The Public Utilities Board earlier this year determined electricity rates will increase another 3.5% next year and 3% in 2028. Hikes, the utility said, are needed to make $31 billion in system-wide upgrades. I know it's costly, but it has to be done. Upgrades to the substation that serves Ament's neighbourhood are currently in the planning stage. Work on it is expected to start in 2028. Josh Crabb, CBC News, Winnipeg.