Blazing heat leads to summer record for electricity demand in Manitoba

Manitobans cranking up their air conditioners for a reprieve from the extreme heat pulled a record amount of electricity from the provincial power grid to start this week.

Blazing heat leads to summer record for electricity demand in Manitoba Monday's peak power usage of 3,751 MW surpasses old summertime record of 3,529 MW, Manitoba Hydro says Manitobans cranking up their air conditioners for a reprieve from the extreme heat pulled a record amount of electricity from the provincial power grid to start this week. Manitoba Hydro hit a peak usage of 3,751 megawatts around 5 p.m. Monday, when the temperatures in many parts of Manitoba were in the mid-30s C, spokesperson Peter Chura said Tuesday. "That's a summer record" for peak usage, he said.

The previous record, set in June 2023, was 3,529 megawatts, "so easily beating [that]." That's power usage across the province, much of which has been sweltering since Saturday. The highest temperature in the province on Monday was 35.1 C in both Emerson and Gretna, with a humidex level that made it feel more like 45.

Winnipeg reached 34.4 C with the same humidex. Multiple temperature records set as Manitoba sizzles in heat wave Air conditioning at care home in West St. Paul broken for days amid heat wave Sunday was hotter, with McCreary taking top spot at 36.5 C and a humidex level of 41, and Winnipeg recording 35.3 C with a humidex level of 48. But peak demand was lesser at 3,507 megawatts.

The difference, Chura said, is the day of the week. On a weekday, more businesses and offices are open and running their AC systems, on top of the draw by households. Power draw in Manitoba is still greatest in winter, however, when people are keeping their homes warm in the cold months.

The all-time usage record for a day is 5,111 megawatts, set back in January 2025, when the temperature outside was –32 C. Hydro's total electrical capability is just over 6,000 megawatts. Five new July 13 temperature records were set Monday, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada: - Gretna: 35.1 C (old record of 34.5 C set in 1980). - Emerson: 35.1 C (old record of 34 set in 1980).

- Gimli: 33.8 C (old record of 32.2 C set in 1964). - Oak Point: 31.7 C (old record of 30.6 C set in 1975). - Shoal Lake: 31.7 C (old record of 30.6 C set in 1975).

With files from Meaghan Ketcheson