Hydro-Quebec planning another rate hike

MONTREAL – Hydro-Quebec asked the Regie de l’nergie to raise its rates by over 5% starting April 1, 2014.

The Crown corporation argued that an increase in its operation costs, as well as compensation for purchasing wind energy, made raising rates on consumers necessary.

Under the proposal now before the Regie, electricity rates on businesses would also be increased, albeit to a smaller extent. Because of an exemption they enjoy from the Quebec government, their hike would be 2.6%.