Hydro-Québec has accepted eight bids for a total of 60.7 MW in response to its April 14 call to purchase power generated by biomass cogeneration in Québec.

Electricity deliveries are scheduled for December 1, 2012. The average price of the winning bids is 11.2 ¢/kWh, including 0.4 ¢/kWh for transmission costs. The projects call for capital expenditures of about $180 million plus another $39 million for transmission infrastructure.

Over the coming months, Hydro-Québec Distribution will work with the project proponents to finalize the contracts, which will then be submitted to the Régie de l'énergie for approval. The proponents will be responsible for obtaining all the necessary permits prior to the start of construction.

Hydro-Québec Distribution worked with Deloitte Inc. in the bid evaluation process and to ensure application of the Call for Tenders and Contract Award Procedure.