Extreme cold disrupts Hydro-Québec exports to Massachusetts during spike in power use

Extreme cold forced Hydro- Québec to temporarily suspend its energy exports to Massachusetts just one week after inaugurating its new line.

Hydro- Québec and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs both confirmed the news, which was first reported by specialized media outlet E&E News.

The decision came as last weekend’s polar vortex led to a significant increase in demand in Quebec . There is also less water in Hydro-Québec’s reservoirs at the moment due to a three-year drought.

“During peak periods, the needs of our customers in Quebec are prioritized,” Hydro- Québec spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent said Thursday in an email.

The utility said it suspended deliveries to Massachusetts over the weekend and for one hour on Tuesday morning.

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The Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs said it is aware of the “historic constraints” faced by Hydro- Québec during the period of extreme cold.

“We have been in touch with Hydro- Quebec as New England also contends with cold temperatures,” spokesperson Maria Hardiman wrote Thursday. “We know they are working to resume full delivery of power as quickly as possible, and have continued to provide power at various times in the past few days.”

The temporary halt happened less than a week after the opening of the New England Clean Energy Connect line, which connects Quebec’s network to Massachusetts via Maine.

Hydro‑Québec’s bid was selected to supply 9.45 TWh per year to the state over a 20‑year period, under a deal signed in 2018. The total revenues from the contract are estimated at $16 billion.

However, the deal was signed when Hydro- Québec was in an energy surplus. Since then, demand has grown, forcing the provincial Crown corporation to seek ways of increasing production to meet future energy needs.

The Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs indicated it is considering imposing penalties on the Quebec provider.

While the contract includes a provision for penalties in cases when Hydro- Québec doesn’t meet its obligations, the utility said none had been imposed as of Thursday.

“According to the contractual provisions, events such as those occurring over the weekend, during a peak period, may exempt us from potential penalties,” St-Laurent wrote.