AIEQ's comments on Bill 44, the main purpose of which is to ensure effective governance in the fight against climate change and to promote electrification.

Presented to the Commission des transports et de l'environnement as part of its special consultations and public hearings

AIEQ submission to the special consultations and public hearings on Bill 106: An Act respecting the implementation of the Energy Policy 2030 and amending various legislative provisions

This brief focuses on the aspects most relevant to Quebec's electricity industry: production, transmission and distribution of electrical energy from renewable sources (hydroelectricity, wind power, solar power) and rational energy use (energy efficiency and technological development promote the intelligent use of electrical energy, in particular through the electrification of generation and transmission facilities).

AIEQ brief on business opportunities - Commission sur les enjeux énergétiques du Québec

The energy context has changed a great deal since 2006, and the energy industry is "in the throes of change". North America is one of the regions of the world where transformations have been most significant, particularly in the United States. It is with these changes in mind that the AIEQ maintains that there is still an important place for Quebec hydropower in the North American energy market. Despite this abundance of energy and a sluggish economic recovery, Quebec is far from being on its knees. It can count on its energy development model, which is one of the most efficient in the world. This model is in itself one of Quebec's dominant competitive advantages, adding considerable value in economic, environmental and social terms.

AIEQ brief supporting the Rivière du Moulin wind farm project

With the aim of consolidating and developing Quebec's wind power industrial fabric, the Association de l'industrie électrique du Québec (AIEQ) has submitted a brief in support of the Rivière du Moulin wind farm project, proposed by developer EDF EN Canada, to the BAPE public hearings. The AIEQ supports the development of this wind farm, with a production capacity of 350 MW, to be built in Réserve faunique des Laurentides and Zec Mars-Moulin. It will be commissioned in two phases, in 2014 and 2015.

AIEQ brief on the Montérégie wind farm

In this brief presented to the Bureau d'audiences publiques en environnement (BAPE) in December 2010, the AIEQ supports the Montérégie wind farm proposed by Kruger Énergie, to be built on the territory of the municipalities of Mercier, Saint-Constant, Saint-Isidore, St-Michel and St-Rémi.

The AIEQ emphasized the quality of Kruger Énergie's approach to gaining public acceptance for their project. From the earliest stages, they worked in collaboration with local residents and stakeholders. These meetings and exchanges enabled them to modify their initial project, taking into account the concerns and requirements of the people consulted.

The AIEQ also pointed out that the development of the wind energy sector is a major economic driver for Quebec. It has already given rise to a sector of activity that is playing an increasingly important role on a North American scale. Two cities, Gaspé and Matane, are now home to new industries. Several suppliers have also seen their markets grow thanks to the wind energy industry.

Study on exports by Quebec's electrical industry

This study, carried out in January 2009, paints a picture of the export activities of Quebec's electrical industry, and assesses some of the potential for export development.

This study identifies medium- and long-term niches to ensure that the expertise developed and the companies established here can maintain their growth from Quebec. The study points out that foreign sales are likely to increase, given the growth in electricity demand over the next few years and the need to renew generation, transmission and distribution infrastructures in Canada, the United States and Europe.

AIEQ brief on Quebec's 2020 GHG emissions reduction target

In this brief presented to the Commission des transports in November 2009, the AIEQ supports the Quebec government's decision to significantly reduce GHG emissions.

The AIEQ maintains that, despite Quebec's very good performance in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in recent years, the Quebec strategy must take into account the significant rise in GHG emissions in Canada and the United States. Quebec must become a leader in this sector.

The AIEQ also reiterated the importance of implementing a cap-and-trade system that will enable targeted companies to invest in technologies that improve their energy management and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, while minimizing the costs involved in meeting the target.

AIEQ brief on the Des Moulins wind farm in Thetford Mines, Kinnear's Mills and St-Jean-de-Bréboeuf

In this brief submitted to the Bureau d'audiences publiques en environnement (BAPE) in October 2009, the AIEQ supports the development of the Des Moulins wind farm. The wind farm, proposed by developer 3Ci, offers many positive economic and social benefits, notably for the regions of Thetford Mines, Kinnear's Mills and St-Jean-de-Bréboeuf, and for the host communities. The wind farm will also contribute to the company's

The wind power sector is expanding in Quebec. It should increase to over 4,000 MW by 2015. The AIEQ stresses the importance of continuing efforts to ensure that the projects selected in Hydro-Québec Distribution's 2nd call for tenders go ahead as planned.

Positioning of the Association de l'industrie électrique du Québec

This study, carried out in January 2009, paints a picture of the export activities of Quebec's electrical industry, and assesses some of the potential for export development.

This study identifies medium- and long-term niches to ensure that the expertise developed and the companies established here can maintain their growth from Quebec. The study points out that foreign sales are likely to increase, given the growth in electricity demand over the next few years and the need to renew generation, transmission and distribution infrastructures in Canada, the United States and Europe.

AIEQ brief on connecting the Romaine hydroelectric complex to the transmission grid

In this brief, presented to the Bureau d'audiences publiques en environnement in May 2010, the AIEQ supports the solution of connecting the Romaine hydroelectric complex to the main transmission grid selected by the proponent.
In it, the AIEQ demonstrates that the continued development of infrastructure linked to the transmission grid is crucial to supporting the growth of renewable energies.

The AIEQ also emphasized the quality of the environmental expertise developed in Quebec, thanks in part to projects on the scale of La Romaine. Quebec's electricity industry has earned a worldwide reputation for the design and manufacture of power plant equipment, substation lines and construction facilities, and for the harmonious implementation of electrical infrastructures throughout the province.

AIEQ brief on the Energy Efficiency and New Technologies Plan

In this brief submitted to the Régie de l'énergie in November 2008, the AIEQ supports the main proposals contained in the first Energy Efficiency and New Technologies Plan presented by the Agence de l'efficacité énergétique.

However, the AIEQ stressed the importance of the obstacles to be overcome if energy efficiency is to gain in popularity, with the low cost per kWh of electricity being the main barrier.

The AIEQ also expressed serious reservations about a significant increase in interest in energy efficiency on the part of goods and services firms operating in the electrical industry, and their customers, given that customers in the business and industrial sectors are practically not covered by this first Comprehensive Plan.

AIEQ submission on the Regulatory Framework for Air Emissions

In this submission to Environment Canada in July 2007, the AIEQ supports the federal government's initiative to reduce GHG emissions by 60% to 70% by 2050.

The AIEQ maintains, however, that the Regulatory Framework for Air Emissions does not rely on increased development of renewable energies. Renewable energies are not even considered an important solution for reducing GHG emissions and air pollutants, nor are they integrated into the regulated market of the emissions trading system proposed in this regulatory framework.
The AIEQ also pointed out that of all the compliance mechanisms proposed in the Regulatory Framework, it is the emissions trading system (emissions-intensity system for GHGs and cap-and-trade system for air pollutants) that is the most effective and dynamic.

AIEQ brief on the approval of a comprehensive framework agreement between Hydro-Québec Distribution and Hydro-Québec Production

In this brief submitted to the Régie de l'énergie in April 2007, the AIEQ examines each of the terms of the overall framework agreement between Hydro-Québec Production and Hydro-Québec Distribution, with a view to balancing electricity supply and demand (overrun energy) at all times, while offering Québec electricity consumers the most advantageous conditions possible.

This framework agreement provides for a two-part pricing formula, based on certain periods of excess energy demand.

AIEQ brief on the 1250 MW transmission line linking Quebec and Ontario (Chénier Outaouais line)

In this brief submitted to the Régie de l'énergie in February 2007, the AIEQ supports the proposed 1,250 MW transmission line linking Quebec and Ontario.

AIEQ supports Quebec's needs and opportunities in neighboring electricity markets. The construction of a new transmission line to supply a new interconnection with Ontario is a key element in the development of renewable energies.

AIEQ brief on Eastmain-1-A powerhouse and Rupert diversion

In this brief submitted to the Federal Review Panel and COMEX in April 2006, the AIEQ supports the Eastmain 1-A hydroelectric complex and the Rupert River diversion.

The AIEQ maintains that to avoid vulnerability and unforeseen dependence on external markets, to ensure the security of electricity supplies, to retain some control over its supply costs and finally to minimize environmental impact, Quebec must pursue its hydroelectric development and build the Eastmain 1-A hydroelectric complex and the Rupert River diversion.