The return of rate-setting by the Régie de l'Énergie (Bill 69)

Bill 69 is part of a series of legislative reforms, partly in response to concerns about expected increases in energy bills. It aims to correct certain provisions of previous legislation and to provide a framework for incentives to decarbonize the Quebec economy.

In so doing, the legislation modernizes the energy sector by restructuring the planning, supply, transmission and distribution of energy resources, while granting new powers to the sector's key players.

The Integrated Energy Resources Management Plan (hereinafter, the IERMP), drawn up by the Minister of the Economy, Innovation and Energy (hereinafter, the Minister), will serve as the roadmap for the province's energy development over a 25-year period. This plan is complemented by the supply and accountability plans of the electricity transmission provider, as well as those of the holders of the exclusive right to distribute electricity or natural gas.

This increased coordination between the various players in the sector should enable more efficient and transparent management of energy resources. It will also make it possible to take a long-term view of the sector's needs.

The rules governing the supply of energy have been revised by the bill. It removes the obligation for Hydro-Québec Distribution (hereinafter, the Distributor) to systematically issue calls for tenders for its electricity supply contracts, unless otherwise specified by the government.

The Distributor's new supply projects, as well as bilateral purchase contracts, will henceforth be subject to review by the Régie de l'énergie, except in certain specific cases. These changes are designed to ensure that new energy projects are monitored, while simplifying the administrative process for carrying out these initiatives.

The remainder of this brief will focus on specific provisions of the bill, highlighting Option consommateurs' concerns and recommendations. It will deal successively with the mission, governance and powers of the Régie de l'énergie, as well as the provisions relating to the rate-setting method.

The brief will then examine the implications of Hydro-Québec's Fonds d'aide à la clientèle domestique and the new standards governing energy supplies. Finally, an analysis will be made of the new powers attributed to the Minister and the government.