Gas & Hydro Options in Winnipeg

Unlike many Canadian cities, Winnipeg’s utility system is simple and centralized, but you do still have some choices, especially for natural gas pricing.

⚡Electricity (Hydro) in Winnipeg

Who provides electricity?

Manitoba Hydro is the only residential electricity provider in Winnipeg.

• It’s a provincial Crown corporation.

• Electricity rates are regulated by the Public Utilities Board of Manitoba to ensure fair pricing.

• There is no retail competition for electricity supply.

Practically speaking, every homeowner uses Manitoba Hydro for electricity.

How electricity billing works

Typical residential charges include:

• Monthly basic charge

• Energy usage rate (per kWh)

As of 2026:

• Energy charge ≈ 9.97¢ per kWh for residential customers.

Rates occasionally change after regulatory review (for example, a 4% increase took effect January 2026).

Homeowner options for hydro

Even though you can’t choose another provider, you can choose billing styles:

Standard billing

• Pay for actual monthly usage.

Equal Payment Plan (budget billing)

• Same payment each month based on annual average.

• Helps smooth winter heating spikes.

Energy efficiency programs

• Rebates and upgrades offered through Manitoba Hydro.

🔥Natural Gas in Winnipeg

Who delivers natural gas?

Natural gas delivery is also handled by Manitoba Hydro (Centra Gas division).

• They maintain pipelines.

• They deliver gas to every home.

• Delivery charges are regulated.

Your delivery provider is not optional — Manitoba Hydro always delivers the gas.

The key difference: You can choose your gas supplier

This is where homeowners actually have options.

You can buy the gas commodity from:

1. Manitoba Hydro (default)

2. Independent natural gas marketers

Regardless of the supplier:

• Manitoba Hydro still delivers the gas.

• You still receive a Manitoba Hydro bill.

Gas pricing options

Option A — Quarterly Rate (default)

• Price adjusts 4 times per year

• Tracks market prices closely

• No contract required

• Manitoba Hydro passes costs through with no markup

Best for:

• Flexibility

• Following market prices

Option B — Fixed Rate Contract

• Lock gas price for 1, 3, or 5 years

• Offered during enrollment periods

• Price stays constant regardless of market swings

Best for:

• Budget certainty

• Protection from price spikes

Risk:

• You may pay more if market prices fall.

Option C — Independent Gas Marketers

Private companies may offer:

• Fixed pricing

• Alternative contract structures

Important:

• They sell gas supply only.

• They do not deliver or maintain infrastructure.

• Their rates are not regulated the same way as Manitoba Hydro.

Typical natural gas bill components

Your bill includes:

• Basic monthly charge

• Gas commodity cost

• Delivery charges

• Carbon charge (federal policy)

Gas prices are reviewed quarterly because natural gas is traded on open markets.

What Happens When You Buy and Move Into a Home

Typical setup process:

1. Contact Manitoba Hydro

   • Open an electricity + gas account (same account).

2. Provide possession date.

3. Submit meter readings (recommended).

4. Choose billing plan and gas pricing option.

Both utilities usually activate seamlessly if service already exists at the property.