Quebec electricity bills could more than double in next 10 years: report [Video]

A new consumer report study suggests that Quebecers’ hydro prices could more than double over the next decade and shock customers despite the premier insisting increases will remain at three per cent.

The Union des Consommateurs report says that Quebec’s energy transition “could lead to a price shock” as the province moves to decarbonize. Electrifying sectors that rely on fossil fuels, such as transport, gas heating, and industrial production, could cause “a significant and rapid increase in tariffs,” the report reads.

“Despite promises by the government and Hydro-Québec to limit rate increases to three per cent until 2035, Bill 69, An Act to ensure the responsible governance of energy resources, contains no concrete measures in this regard,” a release from the organization says. “What’s more, it changes the terms and conditions of tariffs and plans for accelerated development of new sources of electricity production, which is expected to increase production …