Jenpeg Generating Station
Jenpeg Generating Station (Jenpeg) functions both as a generating station and a control structure. Jenpeg regulates about 85% of the outflow from Lake Winnipeg through the west channel of the Nelson River. It is located at the point where the west channel of the Nelson River flows into Cross Lake.
Jenpeg is about 525 km (326 miles) north of the City of Winnipeg and 135 km (84 miles) south of Thompson. The nearest community is Cross Lake, which is about 19 km (11.8 miles) northeast (downstream) of the station. The site is accessible by air and Provincial Road nos. 6 and 373.
Jenpeg consists of an intake structure, a six-unit powerhouse, main earth dams, ancillary dams and dykes, and a five-bay spillway. It can generate up to 174 MW or nearly enough energy to power 110,000 homes. The generating station produces energy using the outflow targets set by Lake Winnipeg Regulation.
The Manitoba government issued an Interim licence in 1972. Jenpeg’s six units became operational in 1979. The Final Water Power Act Licence was issued on May 12, 2021, and will expire on November 1, 2029. The licence includes five new licensing terms and four non-licensing conditions. These inter-connected conditions address environmental concerns heard during the consultation process and further recommendations in the Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment Report.
These conditions require that Manitoba Hydro expand the existing Coordinated Aquatic Monitoring Program (CAMP) with input from Indigenous communities and using Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, address shoreline erosion, participate in future planning, studies (e.g., habitat studies, and flow regime scenarios), and other initiatives with input from Indigenous communities and using Indigenous Traditional Knowledge, and participate in provincial large area planning initiatives led by the province.
When the Lake Winnipeg level is above 217.9 m (715 ft), Manitoba Hydro must allow the maximum discharge possible under the circumstances through Jenpeg until the lake level returns to 217.9 m (715 ft). During low flow periods when the lake level is below 216.7 m (711 ft), Manitoba Hydro must operate the Jenpeg site as ordered by the Minister responsible for the administration of The Water Power Act.
Manitoba ensures that Manitoba Hydro follows the terms and conditions of their Final Water Power Act licence through review of compliance reports (e.g., annual Indigenous engagement report, licence implementation guide, 90-day water level and flow forecast, monthly and annual water level and flow reports, etc.), compliance plans, regular meetings, and site visits.
Water Power Act Licences:
Licensing Related Documentation:
- Lake Winnipeg Regulation & Jenpeg Generating Station Licence Implementation Guide (May 2022)
This guide enables Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro to document a common understanding of compliance with the final licence. It provides the methodology to be used to determine water levels and flows, definition of licence compliance terms, and protocols for reporting - Final Licence Support Report (December 2, 2015)
- Severance Line Plan (December 2, 2015)
- Final Licence Request (December 16, 1998)
Reports:
- Annual Reports
- Indigenous Engagement, Public Safety, Shoreline Stabilization, and Debris Management Annual Reports (coming soon)
- Severance Line Plan (December 2, 2015)
- Regional Cumulative Effects Assessment
