Hydro-Quebec asks public to reduce power during peak hours

Hydro-Quebec's profits declined to $319 million in the third quarter, compared to $376 million a year earlier.

With extreme cold comes high power consumption. In response to the frigid temperatures felt across the province, Hydro-Quebec is asking the public to do what they can to reduce their power usage during peak hours.

On the night of Jan. 2 there were, at times, 4,000 outages across the province, mainly located in the areas of Montreal, Lanaudiere, Monteregie and Chaudiere Appalaches.

The company says it has implemented means to ensure that service goes on interrupted, despite the predicted hike in system demand.

Hydro-Quebec is also asking that customers reduce power, if they can, during peak hours –pointing to Jan. 2 from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. and Jan. 3 from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. as times to be conservative with power usage.

Suggested ways to do so, include lowering thermostat temperatures slightly, limiting use of hot water, and refraining from using appliances such as dishwashers and dryers during peak times.

On Jan. 2, the company predicted that Quebecers would meet or surpass the historical record of 38,797 megawatts, set in Jan. 2013. Power consumpotion did not, however, reach a historical peak, maxing out at 36, 940 MW on the morning of Jan. 3.

The company expects usage to peak again later in the day.

In a personal effort to minimize its own consumption, Hydro-Quebec will be dimming heating and lighting its offices, and shut off the lighting on its outdoor logo.

- With files from the Canadian Press