Manitoba Government Advances $3-Billion Investment in Westman Energy Production

Press Release

May 4, 2026

The proposed 750‑megawatt (MW) dual‑fuel combustion turbine facility in Brandon has formally been referred to the Public Utilities Board (PUB) for independent review and recommendations, Finance Minister Adrien Sala, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, announced today.

“Combined with our historic investment in 600 megawatts of majority Indigenous-owned wind power, these new turbines will help us keep electricity rates low for families and businesses as we grow the economy,” said Sala.

The referral, made under subsection 16(3) of the Manitoba Hydro Act, is the next required step in the regulatory approval process for major new generation facilities. The PUB’s review will assess the need for the project, potential alternatives and possible impacts on electricity rates before any final decisions are considered by cabinet.

The proposed major new facility is based on Manitoba Hydro’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which identified the need for additional generation capacity to maintain system reliability over the long term. The Manitoba government previously approved referral of the IRP to the PUB, and the proposed dual-fuel combustion turbine project reflects the development pathway outlined in that plan.

To meet generation capacity needs, the IRP also proposes clean energy investments in energy efficiency and demand‑response programs expected to reduce peak demand by approximately 860 MW by 2035. These investments would be complemented by targeted infrastructure enhancements that add roughly 25 MW of capacity and a five‑MW battery storage project to improve grid flexibility, the minister noted.

Together with continued investments in renewable energy, these measures are intended to reduce emissions, make better use of existing resources and support Manitoba’s long‑term electricity needs in an affordable and sustainable way, Sala said.

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For more information:

Public information, contact Manitoba Government Inquiry: mgi@gov.mb.ca or 1-866-626-4862 or 204-945-3744.
Media requests for general information, contact Communications and Engagement: newsroom@gov.mb.ca.
Media requests for ministerial comment, contact Cabinet Communications: cabcom@manitoba.ca.

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