The AIEQ awards the Jean-Jacques Archambault prize to Richard Drouin

May 6, 2022 - At its annual conference this week, the Association de l'industrie électrique du Québec (AIEQ) honored Richard Drouin, an inspiring and inspirational leader in the electrical industry, with the Prix Jean-Jacques Archambault. Named in honor of the inventor of the 735 kV line, the award recognizes the exceptional contribution of a person who, through his professional commitment and leadership, has made an exemplary contribution to the development of all facets of Quebec's electrical industry.

" Receiving the Jean-Jacques Archambault Award is a bit like winning the gold medal at the Olympics for the electrical industry. It's the highest distinction one can receive in the field of electrical energy in Quebec," explained Denis Tremblay, President and CEO of the AIEQ, just before inviting Mr. Drouin's daughters, Caroline and Dominique, to come and receive the award on behalf of their father, who was unable to attend that day.

A world-class manager and distinguished business lawyer, Mr. Drouin has distinguished himself throughout his impressive career. He has made a major contribution to promoting Quebec's electricity industry around the world. Mr. Drouin was CEO of Hydro-Québec from 1988 to 1995, where he made his mark by mobilizing the entire organization in a vast undertaking to improve system reliability and customer satisfaction. Under his leadership, the Société d'État underwent major expansion, and became an international benchmark for operational excellence.

Building on his reputation as a recognized and respected leader in the energy world, Mr. Drouin went on to become President of NERC (North America Electric Reliability Corporation), a regulatory body responsible for maintaining the reliability of power systems in all U.S. states, Canada and parts of Mexico. Mr. Drouin played a major role in the restructuring of the North American electrical industry, which led to the intensification of electricity exchanges across the continent. He is also one of the founders of the E7, which brings together the largest electricity companies in the G7, and has served as its president. These are just a few of Mr. Drouin's achievements. He has been an Officer of the Order of Canada since 1994 and of the Ordre national du Québec since 2004. Find out more about his achievements here!

We invite you to view the video tribute to Mr. Richard Drouin, which was broadcast at the Jean-Jacques Archambault Awards ceremony.