Quebec is currently experiencing a severe cold snap, which is putting Hydro-Québec’s distribution network to the test. During these critical periods, energy demand peaks. Onimiki Renewable Energy believes its project could help Hydro-Québec meet demand.
Hydro-Québec expects a peak of 42,000 megawatts to be reached this Wednesday, January 22. This is close to the all-time record of 43,124 MW set on February 3, 2023.
All available power is used to meet demand. “ It is in cases like these, when a high number of customers are consuming a lot of electricity at the same time, that capacity needs are at their highest, and we must be able to count on capacity that is reliable and readily available to meet the high demand. The best choice by far at times like these is hydropower. ” [Hydro-Québec 2035 Action Plan, p.26]
During peak periods, Hydro-Québec must then import blocks of energy from the United States or Ontario. According to a Radio-Canada article [January 19, 2025],“during peak periods, Hydro-Québec often has to import electricity from Ontario or the United States. This electricity can cost up to 120¢ per kWh, 10 times more than the cost of new electricity supplies. In 2022, the Société d’État spent $225 million on outside markets, for a few dozen peak hours.”
Also, because of its geographic location, the Témiscamingue region often has to import energy from Ontario.
Our Témiscamingue hydroelectric project is part of the solution. Under the Onimiki project, energy production will be concentrated in the fall and winter, when the Kipawa reservoir is emptied to accommodate the spring freshet. This would enable us to meet winter energy needs directly, reducing our dependence on energy imports.
The Onimiki project is perfectly in line with Hydro-Québec’s Hydro-Québec’s 2035 Action Plan since it guarantees clean, locally-generated energy during critical periods.
Project development continues. The impact study documenting all aspects of the project is scheduled for submission in autumn 2025. In the meantime, public meetings will be held this spring to present the project’s progress and give the public a chance to have their say. Citizens will be invited to take an active part in these discussions and discover how the Onimiki project can contribute to the objectives of the energy transition.