In his opening speech to the National Assembly on November 30, Premier François Legault rightly pointed out that the energy transition is largely based on increased use of our electricity. In a colorful way, he evoked the need to build a half-Hydro-Quebec so that Quebec achieves carbon neutrality.
At the same time, in an interview with the media, its minister responsible for energy, Pierre Fitzgibbon, spoke of more sober consumption, especially during the winter peak period.
Obviously, the situation has changed on the energy front in Quebec. The Prime Minister mentioned it himself: it must be debated publicly. What could be better than a public consultation on this subject?
Many things have happened in recent years on the energy scene: reports from climate experts are becoming more pressing to rapidly decarbonize our economies; the cost of wind and solar energy, batteries, has dropped considerably; and states care much more about their energy security.
These changes affect us directly: Quebec has been, for several years, one of the most popular places for businesses, because, in addition to its low price and reliability, our electricity is carbon-free: this is an exception in today’s world. .
This asset, this electricity that is both reliable and carbon-free, will, in my opinion, become an increasingly important factor in the political and economic influence of States in the coming years.
As proof, many companies wish to consolidate their presence or establish themselves here: more than 20,000 megawatts of industrial projects have thus been filed with Hydro-Québec this year.
However, Quebec also needs its electricity to decarbonize its economy, i.e. to replace with electricity what is currently supplied by oil and gas: this limits its once abundant supply, a more worrying issue with the end of the Churchill Falls contract in less than 20 years.
Our electricity has therefore become more precious, to be consumed with discernment.
In this context, we must debate its use for our best interest, and that of future generations.
substantive issues
Basic questions could be addressed during such a consultation: in a context of sobriety, is it still desirable for residential customers to pay a lower rate thanks to higher prices for commercial and industrial customers?
Are legislative changes necessary, for example, to give Hydro-Québec more latitude in the selection of projects submitted to it?
What role can we play in the decarbonization of neighboring networks, in Canada and the United States?
How can the Quebec electricity industry, renowned for its great expertise, succeed in this accelerated effort of decarbonization and energy efficiency? How to ensure that the energy transition is beneficial for the regions?
For the workers who will be affected by this transition, what help can we give them?
What habits related to our lifestyle, land use, should we review to consume electricity more efficiently?
How can we promote, within a reasonable timeframe, social acceptability for hydroelectric projects, wind turbines and power lines in our territory?
The energy transition will require a significant increase in the consumption of minerals, particularly for batteries. Is Quebec ready to participate in this effort, with more mines in different regions?
All of these issues need to be debated reasonably. They deserve a reflection, well framed, broader than simple interventions of our elected officials and interest groups in the media.
Yes, it is time to consider in 2023 the implementation of a consultation process on the use of our electricity in favor of a low-carbon Quebec: it is a social project, an “exciting opportunity” according to the Prime Minister’s words, which deserves further discussion.