Consultation on the framework and development of clean energy in Québec

The Quebec government should develop and implement an integrated energy transition plan that takes into account energy production, transmission and distribution capacities. This plan should also take into account future changes in energy demand in developing economic sectors.

Sustained efforts to decarbonize energy, such as the increase in the number of electric vehicles and the conversion of oil or natural gas heating to electric heating, will increase demand for electricity and put additional pressure on the power grid during peak periods. A plan must be put in place to prevent any significant impact on the grid, and the situation must be closely monitored.

The Act respecting the Régie de l'énergie was recently amended to allow the government to provide, by regulation, for cases in which Hydro-Québec is not obliged to distribute electricity. At present, these cases are connection requests for projects requiring a capacity of 5 MW or more.

In order to obtain a connection, the promoter of such a project must obtain authorization from the Minister, which will be granted if the project meets certain criteria, including power system capacities, economic spin-offs, and the project's social and environmental impacts.

Among the criteria to be met for the connection of large-scale projects, the government should also take into account the project's consistency with the integrated plan, and favor projects that use the highest energy efficiency processes or standards.