Manitoba Hydro crews working to repair wildfire damage in northern Manitoba this summer. (MANITOBA HYDRO / HANDOUT)
Manitoba Hydro has restored power to hundreds of customers affected by the 2025 wildfire season, ahead of schedule, according to the utility.
Communities including Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan), O-Pipon-Na-Piwin Cree Nation/South Indian Lake, Leaf Rapids, Marcel Colomb First Nation, and Lynn Lake have had power restored, with remaining transmission line repairs expected next week.
Power restoration is occurring two to four weeks sooner than anticipated, with help of Manitoba Hydro employees, contractors, and SaskPower, combined with favourable weather, and reduced wildfire activity.
“These communities have been under terrible strain due to this devastating wildfire season,” said Jeff Betker, Manitoba Hydro vice-president, external and Indigenous relations, environment and communications, in a release.
“We’re pleased we’ve been able to restore power, much more quickly than initially thought, without compromising safety.”
The 2025 wildfires have burned more than 2.1 million hectares and damaged more than 1,000 hydro poles and related equipment, often in remote areas.
Manitoba Hydro says the ongoing restoration effort is estimated to cost $32 million.
