Hydro-Québec says ‘failure alerts’ issued amid early cold snap, but no risk of shortages

Hydro Quebec said the utility had the capacity to power the province's homes during recent demand peaks, and that it still does.

Hydro-Québec confirmed it issued “failure alerts” in recent days as an early start to winter puts pressure on Quebec’s hydroelectric grid.

The Crown corporation says the situation is under control and that it has all the tools it needs to meet peak demand. It also noted that these alerts are part of standard terminology used across the North American power grid industry.

“It is important to note that the current situation is in no way related to water levels. In recent days, demand has reached about 38,000 MW, which is exceptional for this time of year. Over the past five years, average peaks in early December have been around 29,000 MW,” the utility said in a statement.

Hydro-Québec added that the early surge in demand is occurring while some equipment remains offline for scheduled maintenance. That work, meant to prepare the system for winter, runs until mid-December.

“These work periods are now ending. Since last week, several pieces of equipment have already been brought back online. We will have everything we need to handle the peaks in January and February.”

In Quebec City, Energy Minister Christine Fréchette said the public utility has everything it needs to supply Quebecers.

“It’s true that cold weather arrived very early this year. That creates significant pressure, but we were not on the verge of implementing load shedding,” Fréchette told reporters.

“We were not at that point, and Hydro-Québec has many other tools available long before such a measure would ever be considered.”

Among those tools, Hydro-Québec noted, are its Hilo program, dynamic pricing and support from business customers who can reduce consumption during winter peaks.

With files from The Canadian Press.