Cold snap disrupts Hydro-Québec exports to Massachusetts

Hydro Quebec power lines are shown Thursday Oct. 29, 2009 in Levis Que. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jacques Boissinot)

Extreme cold forced Hydro-Québec to temporarily suspend its energy exports to Massachusetts just one week after inaugurating its new line.

Hydro-Québec and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs both confirmed the news, which was first reported by specialized media outlet E&E News.

The decision came as last weekend’s polar vortex led to a significant increase in demand in Quebec. 

There is less water in Hydro-Québec’s reservoirs at the moment due to a three-year drought.

Hydro-Québec confirmed it suspended deliveries to Massachusetts over the weekend and for one hour on Tuesday morning out of a need to prioritize Quebec customers.

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs said it is aware of the constraints faced by Hydro-Québec during the period of extreme cold.  

- by Stéphane Rolland

- This report by The Canadian Press was first published on Jan. 29, 2026.