What happens when Manitoba Hydro sends you to collections
Manitoba Hydro tries to collect the debt themselves first. You'll get reminder letters, phone calls, texts and emails from their internal team.
If you don't pay within 90 to 180 days, Manitoba Hydro assigns or sells the account to a collection agency. The agency contacts you directly from that point. The original debt now shows as a collection entry on your credit report.
You still owe the money to Manitoba Hydro. The collection agency is just the company chasing you for it.
Will Manitoba Hydro collections affect my credit score?
Yes. Once your Manitoba Hydro debt is reported to Equifax or TransUnion, it's one of the most damaging marks on a credit report.
A collection stays on your report for six years from when you first fell behind, then drops off automatically. Paying it doesn't remove it early. It just changes to paid instead of outstanding.
The first thing to do is check your own report and see whether the Manitoba Hydro collection is actually on there, and whether the details are right.
What to do if Manitoba Hydro sends you to collections
These steps apply to most consumer debts, including credit cards, loans, phone bills, utilities and store accounts.

