Hydro-Québec customers get a break as energy board rejects full rate hike request

The energy board (Régie de l’énergie) has approved lower rate increases than those requested by Hydro-Québec. A Hydro-Québec power line in Beauharnois on Monday Nov. 10, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi)

The electricity rate hike granted by the energy board (Régie de l’énergie) is lower than what Hydro-Québec had requested.

The decision makes a greater difference for commercial customers, while the Legault government has capped the residential rate increase at 3 per cent.

Hydro-Québec had asked for annual increases of 4.8 per cent for businesses and institutions in 2026, 2027 and 2028.

The board is instead granting 3.6 per cent each year, in a decision issued Monday.

The gap is less notable for residential customers.

Hydro-Québec requested 3 per cent each year, which it will receive in 2026 and 2027.

The allowed increase for 2028 is 2.6 per cent.

The owner of a three-bedroom apartment would pay an extra $2.30 a month, according to the board’s estimates — 10 cents lower than Hydro-Québec’s proposal.

For the owner of an average-sized home (158 square metres), the monthly increase is $5.46, or 24 cents less than what the Crown corporation requested.

Across the three years analyzed, the board estimates that the revenues Hydro-Québec needs to operate its network are $433.4 million lower than the Crown corporation’s own projections, out of a total of nearly $50 billion.

Hydro-Québec is criticizing the decision, saying it would reduce its financial flexibility by nearly $450 million.

The shortfall “will have a significant impact” on its investments aimed at improving reliability and energy efficiency, the Crown corporation says.

By Stéphane Rolland

This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on March 16, 2026.