Work on new $60.7M transmission line to link Manitoba, Saskatchewan grids to start this summer

A major new transmission line designed to transfer up to 215 megawatts of electricity from Manitoba’s power grid to neighbouring Saskatchewan’s is set to get underway this summer.

The federal government announced $18.7 million in funding for the 230-kilovolt transmission line March 2. The infrastructure cash builds on a $42 million contribution from Manitoba.

The line, starting from the Birtle South Station, northwest of Brandon, Man., will run 46 kilometres northwest to the Saskatchewan border, allowing surplus hydro power from Manitoba to reach the SaskPower grid.

According to Manitoba Hydro, construction on the project is scheduled to get underway this summer.