Use of Bécancour generating station during peak hours: Hydro-Québec Distribution reaches agreements with TranCanada and Gaz Métro

MONTREAL, May 8, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - Hydro-Québec Distribution has concluded memorandums of understanding with TransCanada (TCE) and Gaz Métro to use Bécancour generating station to meet demand during winter peaks. This use will allow us to capitalize on this asset located close to load centres, for which baseload deliveries have been suspended since 2008.

The capacity of Bécancour generating station will be 570 MW. Hydro-Québec Distribution will need these megawatts starting in winter 2018-2019. Use of the generating station will be one of the means put in place to meet long-term increases in power demand. This solution will provide capacity at a competitive price for Hydro-Québec customers—half as expensive as building a new facility.

Growth in power demand in Québec is expected to increase by 0.9% annually between 2014 and 2023. Anticipated power demand for Québec customers for winter 2022-2023 is 40,713 MW, an increase of more than 3,000 MW compared with the 2013-2014 peak.

Hydro-Québec Distribution will be able to rely on electricity deliveries from Bécancour generating station for about 100 hours per winter for 20 years.

Hydro-Québec Distribution also reached an agreement with Gaz Métro to supply the generating station with natural gas, without having to use TCE's transmission capacity. Gaz Métro plans to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tank and an evaporator unit near the TCE generating station. Gaz Métro will be in charge of building, operating and maintaining the facilities. A supply in LNG will reduce exposure to the price volatility of natural gas markets during the winter.

The amendment to the electricity supply contract between TCE and Hydro-Québec Distribution is subject to approval by the Régie de l'énergie.

SOURCE Hydro-Québec

For further information: Hydro-Québec, Marc-Antoine Pouliot, Tel.: [phone], E-mail: [e-mail]