SaskPower has completed a major refurbishment at the E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station, enabling the facility to provide reliable, affordable power for Saskatchewan customers for decades to come. 

“This refurbishment will allow E.B. Campbell to continue generating power for at least another 50 years, while improving efficiency and reliability,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister Responsible for SaskPower. “This will allow SaskPower to continue to access up to 294 megawatts (MW) of hydro power at a fraction of the cost of building a new facility.”

The $275-million, multi-year project began in 2021 and included upgrades to turbines, generators and intake systems, allowing the station to produce more power from the same amount of water while making the most of existing infrastructure. Building a new hydroelectric facility of the same capacity would cost approximately $4 billion according to current estimates.

“Investments like the E.B. Campbell refurbishment are an important part of SaskPower’s plan to ensure a reliable power system for the future,” said Rupen Pandya, SaskPower President and CEO. “The project also delivered economic benefits, including approximately $13.7 million in Indigenous and local employment and procurement opportunities.”

Located on the Saskatchewan River northeast of Nipawin, E.B. Campbell began operating in 1963. At 294 MW, it is SaskPower’s largest hydroelectric facility, generating power for up to 250,000 homes.

SaskPower’s investments are guided by the Provincial Government’s Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan. Under the plan SaskPower will continues to invest in infrastructure projects that ensure customers have reliable power as we move toward a net-zero grid by 2050.

At a glance...

• E.B. Campbell Hydroelectric Station refurbishment will extend useful life of facility by at least 50 years
• Approximately $13.7 million was invested in Indigenous and local employment and procurement for the project