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Hydro-Québec proposes doubling electricity rates for energy-hungry data centres
Hydro-Québec aims to recover full energy costs and promote local data control by doubling rates for large data centres and nearly quintupling for crypto mining, with consumption expected to rise sevenfold by 2035.
- On Feb. 18, 2026, Hydro‑Québec proposed a rate for data centres consuming more than 5 MW, seeking Régie de l'énergie approval.
- The provincial government frames the move as key to building Quebec's digital sovereignty, with François Legault, Premier of Quebec, welcoming U.S. technology firms if they bring higher revenue.
- Hydro‑Québec proposed a 19.5 rate for blockchain mining and transitional pricing for current data centres already connected to the grid.
- Industry groups warn that large electricity allocations to data centres limit access for manufacturers as Hydro‑Québec projects data centre demand could rise sevenfold by 2035, reshaping the Quebec electricity system.
- Two decrees published Jan. 28 asked the Régie de l'énergie to create new consumer categories, but no formal application has been filed and Hydro‑Québec did not request special rates during the 2026‑2028 review.
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23 Articles
23 Articles
Winnipeg Free Press+14 Reposted by 14 other sources
Breaking News, Sports, Manitoba, Canada
·Winnipeg, Canada
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Hydro-Québec proposes to the Régie de l'énergie to introduce a new rate of 13 cents/kWh for companies in the sector.
·Montreal, Canada
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Quebec says it is for data centres in the province, but they will have to pay for their electricity more expensive than other industrial customers.
·Montreal, Canada
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To indicate its intention to host data centres related to artificial intelligence, the government of François Legault has asked the Régie de l'énergie to approve a new electricity tariff higher than those in force for this clientele.
·Montreal, Canada
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Total News Sources23
Leaning Left11Leaning Right2Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution61% Left
Bias Distribution
- 61% of the sources lean Left
61% Left
L 61%
C 28%
11%
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