MONTRÉAL, Dec. 4, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ – At the public hearings on Hydro-Québec’s 2016–2017 rate application, Hydro-Québec Distribution announced that it had managed to lower its requested rate adjustment for all residential customers and most business customers to 1.7%, thus upholding its commitment to limit its increase to the inflation rate for the year 2016–2017.

Even with this increase, Hydro-Québec’s residential rates would still be the lowest in North America.

Each year, in early December, Hydro-Québec Distribution files an updated version of certain elements of its rate application with the Régie de l’énergie [Québec energy board] just prior to the public hearings. The update takes into account all factors, such as accounting standards and variations in fuel prices, that could have an impact on the rate application.

Large-power industrial rate

Under the Act respecting the Régie de l’énergie, indexing of the heritage pool does not apply to large-power industrial (Rate L) customers, so the increase for these customers would be 1.0%.

Consultative review process

The second stage in the Régie’s rate-setting process is under way—a review of the rate adjustment application, culminating in the public hearings that started today.

Since filing its rate application this past July, Hydro-Québec has responded to over 1,200 requests for information from the Régie and various stakeholders. The exchanges of information will continue throughout the public hearings in which Hydro-Québec and 10 other stakeholders representing consumers, environmental groups, contractors and other interests are taking part.

The Régie will issue its ruling early in the new year, so that the new rates can take effect April 1, 2016. By law, it is the Régie that sets Québec electricity rates.

You can follow the exchanges taking place as part of the Hydro-Québec Distribution rate application review process on the Régie de l’énergie Web site: www.regie-energie.qc.ca.

SOURCE Hydro-Québec