Private companies exist in the generation of electricity in Quebec, especially for wind power, solar power and hydroelectric dams of less than 50 MW. (Photo: The Canadian Press)
MONTREAL — At a time when electricity production is not enough to meet all the new demand from industrial projects, the Legault government should allow private-sector energy producers to sell directly to businesses, the Economic Institute of Montreal is urging.
Otherwise, Quebec will put the “brakes” on its economic growth, fear the economic right think tank. “Due to the absence of alternatives to Hydro-Québec, entrepreneurs whose projects will be rejected will have to go elsewhere so that they can be completed,” its analyst in public policy, Gabriel Giguere, lamented in an interview. Private producers It would definitely be a better thing to be allowed to sell electricity.
Hydropower is generating unprecedented enthusiasm in Quebec, while many companies seek to reduce the carbon footprint of their projects. However, the capacity of Hydro-Québec, which envisages the end of the surplus for 2027, will not be sufficient to respond favorably to all requests.
The Minister of Economy and Energy, Pierre FitzGibbon, has repeatedly stated that not all projects can go ahead. The government has received a list of requests to the extent of 23,000 MW and about 10,000 MW is under serious consideration.
According to Mr. Giguere, authorizing independent producers to sell their electricity directly to industrial customers would allow more projects to be completed. Mr. Giguere argues, “It is absolutely essential that there are options for economic development in Quebec.”
Private companies exist in the generation of electricity in Quebec, especially for wind power, solar power and hydroelectric dams of less than 50 MW. However, they act as suppliers to Hydro-Québec, which has a monopoly on the sale and distribution of electricity.
A company can produce electricity for its own project, as in the case of Rio Tinto, but cannot tie up with an independent producer.