Rates and Bills
- Domestic rates
Residential and Agricultural - General rates
Business - Public lighting
[In French only] - Electricity
concepts
| Small and medium power | Large power | |
| Base rates |
Rate G Rate M |
Rate L |
| Other rates and options |
Rate G-9 Rate GD Running-in of new equipment – Rate M Self-generation net metering option – Rate G Interruptible electricity – Medium power |
Running-in of new equipment – Rate L Equipment testing – Rate L Interruptible electricity – Large power Additional electricity – Rate L |
A carefully designed rate structure
With a view to sustainable development, Hydro-Québec is constantly seeking ways to optimize the operation of its power system and make the best possible use of the electricity it generates. We use a variety of means, including our rate structure, to encourage the wise use of electricity.
Why different rates?
Hydro-Québec uses different rates to ensure customer electricity consumption billing is fair. This means that customers with comparable electricity consumption profiles and costs of providing service are billed based on similar rates.
The company has 2.8 million customers responsible for 4.01 million residential, commercial, institutional and industrial service contracts. A base rate is applied to the electricity consumption of each customer. Some rates are designed for domestic electrical use and are available only to residential and agricultural customers. The other rates are suited for general use by business customers and are broken down by the customer's power demand.
Rate Options
Some customers have consumption profiles that do not correspond to any base rate. Rate options tailored to specific situations and their respective costs are therefore available to customers who have requirements not covered by the base rates.
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Rate G – General rate for low power
Application
Rate G applies to a contract whose minimum billing demand is less than 100 kW.
Profile
Hydro-Québec has about 295,000 service contracts at Rate G, which represents 90% of its business customers.
Structure of Rate G
| Fixed charge (monthly) | $12.33 |
|---|---|
| Price of power above 50 kW | $15.54/kW |
| Energy charge | |
| - First 15,090 kWh | 8.78¢/kWh |
| - Remainder of consumption | 4.85¢/kWh |
Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR RATE G CUSTOMERS WITH BILLING DEMAND
Since April 1, 2011, a new eligibility cut-off came into effect for Rate M. For your service contract to qualify for Rate M, your maximum power demand must have been 50 kilowatts (kW) or more at least once in the past 12 consumption periods. We suggest that you check your consumption history regularly since changing to Rate M could become worthwhile for you.
Look at your statement
Every month, your detailed statement gives the costs of power (kW) and consumption (kWh). Your consumption history is shown below or overleaf. The history indicates whether it's time to think about changing to Rate M.
Here's how: Add up the kWh column in the history on your last detailed statement to determine your total annual energy consumption. Always look at the history of the past 12 months, not just 3 or even 6 months. If it is 175,000 kWh or more, Rate M may be the best solution for you.
Are changes coming to your business?
If you plan to buy new equipment, extend your business hours or enlarge or renovate your establishment, your use of electricity could increase and it could then be to your advantage to change to Rate M.
Understanding rates
Rates have three main components that represent the cost categories of electrical service. In this way, rates reflect the cost of meeting customer electricity demand.
- Fixed charge
-
The fixed charge is unaffected by electricity consumption. It is set in relation to the fixed costs of providing electrical service, such as: Installing and reading the meter, metering, billing, collections and certain distribution system costs.
The fixed charge is also determined by the number of contracts at each rate.
- Energy
-
As the amount of energy consumed varies, the amount billed for energy varies as well.
- Demand
-
Basing billing solely on kilowatthours used would not be fair, since it would not account for the differences in cost, which can vary by the amount and duration of power demand.
Hydro-Québec equipment must be able to meet each customer's yearly maximum power demand. Even if power demand is variable and consumption is sometimes minimal, Hydro-Québec must always cover the costs related to the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment it uses to supply its customers' installations.
- Calculation of billing demand
-
The demand charge is applied to the greater of the two following billing demand values:
- The maximum power demand, which corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
- Real power
- 90% of apparent power
- The minimum billing demand
or
In the case of Rate G, the demand charge only applied to consumption over 50 kW.
Minimum billing demand is set at 65% of maximum power demand during a consumption period that falls wholly in the winter period included in the 12 consecutive monthly periods ending with the consumption period in question.
- The maximum power demand, which corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
Additional factors affecting electricity rates
- Credit for supply at medium or high voltage
-
Hydro-Québec's general usage rates assume that electricity will be supplied at low voltage. Customers who have equipment to step down the voltage of the electricity they are supplied or wish to use medium- or high-voltage electricity represent reduced costs for Hydro-Québec. In return, they are granted a monthly credit on their demand charge. The credit is determined according to the supply voltage.
Nominal voltage between phases equal to or greater than: Monthly credit $/kW 5 kV, but less than 15 kV $0.573/kW 15 kV, but less than 50 kV $0.915/kW 50 kV, but less than 80 kV $2.037/kW 80 kV, but less than 170 kV $2.499/kW 170 kV $3.318/kW Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
- Adjustment for transformation losses
-
Hydro-Québec only bills electricity that the customer uses, irrespective of where it is metered in relation to the transformer substation. If metering occurs before transformation, the electricity billed will include transformation losses. So that the customer does not pay for losses, the utility grants an adjustment of 16.17¢/kW* on the billing demand. Conversely, if metering occurs after transformation, Hydro-Québec will absorb the losses.
* Rate effective April 1, 2011
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Rate M – Rate for medium power
Application
Rate M is available to all customers whose maximum power demand has exceeded 50 kW in at least one of the past 12 monthly billing periods.
Profile
Hydro-Québec has over 13,000 electrical service contracts at Rate M. These customers have a mixed profiles and operate in the industrial, business and institutional (office buildings, hospitals, etc.) sectors.
Structure of Rate M
| Demand charge | |
|---|---|
| - Billing demand | $13.44/kW |
| Energy charge | |
| - First 210,000 kWh | 4.46¢/kWh |
| - Remainder of consumption | 3.19¢/kWh |
- Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
New eligibility cut-off
A change to the Rate M eligibility requirements will be coming into effect on April 1, 2011. The change will not affect current contracts at that rate, but it will allow more business customers to take advantage of Rate M.
Eligibility for Rate M is no longer tied to a minimum billing demand of 100 kilowatts (kW). For a service contract to qualify for Rate M, maximum power demand must have been 50 kW or more at least once in the past 12 consumption periods.
Understanding rates
Rates have three main components that represent the cost categories of electrical service. In this way, rates reflect the cost of meeting customer electricity demand.
- Fixed charge
-
Rate M, like Rates G-9 and L, do not have fixed charges since they do not represent significant fixed costs, unlike the domestic rates and Rate G.
- Energy
-
As the amount of energy consumed varies, the amount billed for energy varies as well.
- Demand
-
Basing billing solely on kilowatthours used would not be fair, since it would not account for the differences in cost, which can vary by the amount and duration of power demand.
Hydro-Québec facilities must be able to meet each customer’s yearly maximum power demand. Despite variable power demand and sometimes low consumption, Hydro-Québec must cover the costs of proper operation and maintenance of the facilities it uses to keep its customers supplied at all times.
- Calculation of billing demand
-
The demand charge is applied to the greater of the two following billing demand values:
- The maximum power demand, which corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
- Real power
- 90 % of apparent power
- The minimum billing demand
or
For rate M, the minimum billing demand is set at 65% of the
maximum power demand during a consumption period that falls wholly in the winter period included in the 12 consecutive monthly periods ending with the consumption period in question.* Effective April 1, 2010, contract power may no longer be modified. It will no longer be used to calculate minimum billing demand after the 12 consumption periods following the last revision.
- The maximum power demand, which corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
Additional factors affecting electricity rates
- Credit for supply at medium or high voltage
-
Hydro-Québec's general usage rates assume that electricity will be supplied at low voltage. Customers who have equipment to step down the voltage of the electricity they are supplied or wish to use medium- or high-voltage electricity represent reduced costs for Hydro-Québec. In return, they are granted a monthly credit on their demand charge. The credit is determined according to the supply voltage.
Nominal voltage between phases equal to or greater than: Monthly credit $/kW 5 kV, but less than 15 kV $0.573/kW 15 kV, but less than 50 kV $0.915/kW 50 kV, but less than 80 kV $2.037/kW 80 kV, but less than 170 kV $2.499/kW 170 kV $3.318/kW Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
- Adjustment for transformation losses
-
Hydro-Québec only bills electricity that the customer uses, irrespective of where it is metered in relation to the transformer substation. If metering occurs before transformation, the electricity billed will include transformation losses. So that the customer does not pay for losses, the utility grants an adjustment of 16.17¢/kW* on the billing demand. Conversely, if metering occurs after transformation, Hydro-Québec will absorb the losses.
* Rate effective April 1, 2011
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Rate G-9 – General rate for medium power
Application
Rate G-9 is designed for medium-power customers who use the power at their disposal for only brief durations.
Rate G-9 is available to all customers whose maximum power demand has exceeded 65 kW in at least one of the 12 monthly billing periods.
Profile
Hydro-Québec has over 3,800 Rate G-9 electrical service contracts. These customers have equipment (pumps for golf courses, chair lifts) that use a significant amount of electricity over short periods, resulting in a load factor that is generally less than 30%.
Structure of Rate G-9
| Demand charge | |
|---|---|
| - Billing demand | $3.99/kW |
| Energy charge | 9.12¢/kWh |
Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
Comparison of bills calculated at Rates G-9 and M
Understanding rates
Rates have three main components that represent the cost categories of electrical service. In this way, rates reflect the cost of meeting customer electricity demand.
- Fixed charge
-
Rate G-9, like Rates M and L, do not have fixed charges since they do not represent significant fixed costs, unlike the domestic rates and Rate G.
- Energy
-
As the amount of energy consumed varies, the amount billed for energy varies as well.
- Demand
-
Basing billing solely on kilowatthours used would not be fair, since it would not account for the differences in cost, which can vary by the amount and duration of power demand.
Hydro-Québec equipment must be able to meet each customer's yearly maximum power demand. Even if power demand is variable and consumption is sometimes minimal, Hydro-Québec must always cover the costs related to the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment it uses to supply its customers' installations.
- Calculation of billing demand
-
The demand charge is applied to the greater of the two following billing demand values:
- The maximum power demand, which corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
- Real power
- 90% of apparent power
- The minimum billing demand
or
For rate G-9, the minimum billing demand is set at 75% of the
maximum power demand during a consumption period that falls wholly in the winter period included in the 12 consecutive monthly periods ending with the consumption period in question.Monthly charge applicable if the maximum power demand exceeds the real power.
- The maximum power demand, which corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
Additional factors affecting electricity rates
- Credit for supply at medium or high voltage
-
Hydro-Québec's general usage rates assume that electricity will be supplied at low voltage. Customers who have equipment to step down the voltage of the electricity they are supplied or wish to use medium- or high-voltage electricity represent reduced costs for Hydro-Québec. In return, they are granted a monthly credit on their demand charge. The credit is determined according to the supply voltage.
Nominal voltage between phases equal to or greater than $/kW: Monthly credit $/kW 5 kV, but less than 15 kV $0.573/kW 15 kV, but less than 50 kV $0.915/kW 50 kV, but less than 80 kV $2.037/kW 80 kV, but less than 170 kV $2.499/kW 170 kV $3.318/kW Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
- Adjustment for transformation losses
-
Hydro-Québec only bills electricity that the customer uses, irrespective of where it is metered in relation to the transformer substation. If metering occurs before transformation, the electricity billed will include transformation losses. So that the customer does not pay for losses, the utility grants an adjustment of 16.17¢/kW* on the billing demand. Conversely, if metering occurs after transformation, Hydro-Québec will absorb the losses.
* Rate effective April 1, 2011
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Rate GD – General rate for medium power
ApplicationRate GD, which applies to medium-power contracts, is an optional rate offered as a backup energy source for independent producers whose energy source is temporarily unavailable or is under maintenance. The electricity purchased is used to replace the energy required for the independent producer’s essential loads and auxiliary services.
Rate GD does not apply if backup generators are the only equipment used by the customer to produce electricity.
Independent producers may also be billed at the appropriate general rate, with the exception of Rate G-9.
Structure of Rate GD
| Demand charge | |
|---|---|
| Billing demand | $4.89/kW |
| Energy charge | |
| For energy consumed in the summer period | 5.51¢/kWh |
| For energy consumed in the winter period | 14.04¢/kWh |
Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
Understanding rates
Rates have three main components that represent the cost categories of electrical service. In this way, rates reflect the cost of meeting customer electricity demand.
- Demand
Billing based solely on kilowatthours used would not be fair, since it would not account for the differences in cost, which can vary by the amount and duration of power demand.Hydro-Québec equipment must be able to meet each customer’s yearly maximum power demand. Even if power demand is variable and consumption is sometimes minimal, Hydro-Québec must always cover the costs related to the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment it uses to supply its customers’ installations.
- Calculation of billing demand
-
The minimum billing demand at Rate GD is equal to the highest demand in real power (in kilowatts) during the 24 consecutive monthly periods ending at the end of the consumption period in question and cannot be less than 50 kW.
Electricity rates also include other components.
- Credit for supply at medium or high voltage
Hydro-Québec’s general usage rates assume that electricity will be supplied at low voltage. Customers who have equipment to step down the voltage of the electricity they are supplied or wish to use medium- or high-voltage electricity represent reduced costs for Hydro-Québec. In return, they are granted a monthly credit on their demand charge. The credit is determined according to the supply voltage.
Nominal voltage between phases equal to or greater than: Monthly credit $/kW 5 kV, but less than 15 kV 0.573 $/kW 15 kV, but less than 50 kV 0.915 $/kW 50 kV, but less than 80 kV 2.037 $/kW 80 kV, but less than 170 kV 2.499 $/kW 170 kV 3.318 $/kW Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
- Adjustment for transformation losses
-
Hydro-Québec only bills electricity that the customer uses, irrespective of where it is metered in relation to the transformer substation. If metering occurs before transformation, the electricity billed will include transformation losses. So that the customer does not pay for losses, the utility grants an adjustment of 16.17¢/kW* on the billing demand. Conversely, if metering occurs after transformation, Hydro-Québec will absorb the losses.
* Rate effective April 1, 2011
You can consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Self-generation net metering option
Hydro-Québec is continuing to act on its commitment to sustainable development. Among other things, it supports and encourages self-generators who produce electricity from their own facilities, using renewable energy sources. How? By offering a special kind of rate: the net metering rate option.
Running-in of new equipment – Rate M
Reliable energy at stable prices
The Running-In Option is an arrangement that applies for a limited time under the Medium-Power (M) Business Rate.
Helping you carry out your projects
Planning to enlarge your facilities, modernize your equipment or launch some other innovative project? Chances are the Running-In Option is just what you need.
If you have to run short tests (say for a few hours) before putting new equipment into service, your demand power may rise.
As a result, your load factor will fall, pushing up the cost of the kilowatthours you consume.
Potential savings
With the Running-In Option, you can get around this problem. How? Simply by not having to pay for a momentary but significant increase in your demand power.
The specific provisions of this option allow us to calculate your bill differently.
With the Running-In Option, you can be temporarily exempted from conditions that apply when you exceed your contract power.
This lets you test new equipment without having to pay for the resulting increase in your demand power.
Simplified bill calculation
Calculating a bill under the Running-In Option involves three steps:
- Step 1
An average price (in ¢/kWh) is determined based on the last 12 consumption periods or, if there is insufficient data, on an estimate of consumption. - Step 2
This average price is increased by 4%. - Step 3
The average price, plus 4%, is applied to the energy consumed during the running-in period.
The demand power recorded during the running-in is therefore not used in the calculation, even if it is above the limit used in determining the average reference price (Step 1).
The calculation of the bill will vary slightly if your last contract did not cover 12 consumption periods with no Running-In Option.
Flexible terms and conditions
To take advantage of the Running-In Option, you must meet the following conditions:
- The power of the equipment being run in must equal at least 10% of the contract power in effect during the period preceding the request.
- You must advise Hydro-Québec in writing at least 30 days before the start of the running-in period, specifying the consumption period(s) to which you want the Running-In Period to apply.
- You must send Hydro-Québec a description of the type and power of your equipment for approval.
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Interruptible electricity – Medium power
If you are a medium-power (Rate M) customer and can reduce your consumption at Hydro-Québec's request, such as by using a dual-energy system in good condition that allows you to switch to an alternative heating source, this option offers a great opportunity for you to save money on your winter electricity bill.
Rate L – Rate for large power
Application
Rate L applies to contracts with a minimum billing demand of 5,000 kW and over.
Profile
Hydro-Québec has nearly 250 Rate L electrical service contracts (or accounts) with large companies in the industrial, business and institutional sectors.
Structure of Rate L
| Demand charge | |
|---|---|
| Billing demand | $12.18/kW |
| Billing demand in excess of 110% of contract power | |
| - for each day during which an overrun occurs | $7.11/kW |
| - monthly maximum | $21.33/kW |
| Energy charge | 2.97¢/kWh |
Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
Understanding rates
Rates have three main components that represent the cost categories of electrical service. In this way, rates reflect the cost of meeting customer electricity demand.
- Fixed charge
-
Rate L does not have fixed charges.
- Energy
-
As the amount of energy consumed varies, the amount billed for energy varies as well.
- Demand
-
Basing billing solely on kilowatthours used would not be fair, since it would not account for the differences in cost, which can vary by the amount and duration of power demand.
Hydro-Québec equipment must be able to meet each customer's yearly maximum power demand. Even if power demand is variable and consumption is sometimes minimal, Hydro-Québec must always cover the costs related to the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment it uses to supply its customers' installations.
- Calculation of billing demand
-
The demand charge is applied to the greater of the two following billing demand values:
- The maximum power demand, which corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
- Real power
- 95% of apparent power
- contract power, which is equal to the minimum billing demand
or
- The maximum power demand, which corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
Additional factors affecting electricity rates
- Optimization charge
-
Business customers subject to Rate L sign a contract with Hydro-Québec for the minimum billing demand they must pay for each consumption period. This is called the contract power.
On a given day in the winter period, if a Rate L customer's maximum power demand exceeds 110% of the contract power, an optimization charge of $7.11/kW will apply to difference between 110% of the contract power and the maximum power demand on that day.
However, the amount of this charge will not exceed the equivalent of a monthly optimization charge of $21.33/kW applied to the part of the minimum billing demand in excess of 110% of the contract power.
- Credit for supply at medium or high voltage
-
Hydro-Québec's general usage rates assume that electricity will be supplied at low voltage. Customers who have equipment to step down the voltage of the electricity they are supplied or wish to use medium- or high-voltage electricity represent reduced costs for Hydro-Québec. In return, they are granted a monthly credit on their demand charge. The credit is determined according to the supply voltage.
Nominal voltage between phases equal to or greater than: Monthly credit $/kW 5 kV, but less than 15 kV $0.573/kW 15 kV, but less than 50 kV $0.915/kW 50 kV, but less than 80 kV $2.037/kW 80 kV, but less than 170 kV $2.499/kW 170 kV $3.318/kW Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
- Adjustment for transformation losses
-
Hydro-Québec only bills electricity that the customer uses, irrespective of where it is metered in relation to the transformer substation. If metering occurs before transformation, the electricity billed will include transformation losses. So that the customer does not pay for losses, the utility grants an adjustment of 16.17¢/kW* on the billing demand. Conversely, if metering occurs after transformation, Hydro-Québec will absorb the losses.
* Rate effective April 1, 2011
For more information
Are you already a Rate L customer? Get in touch with your Commercial Delegate.
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Interruptible electricity – Large power
If you are a large-power customer (5,000 kW and over) and can exercise some load-shaving capability at Hydro-Québec's request, this option offers a great opportunity for you to save money on your winter electricity bill.
The interruptible electricity option offers you credits in exchange for curtailing your electricity consumption on request.
This option was developed to help balance electricity supply and demand in Québec. By limiting your power consumption, you contribute to a wiser use of our collective resources. In return, Hydro-Québec will provide financial compensation that reflects the cost of an equivalent service on the open market.
Sign-up procedure
You must submit your request to Hydro-Québec, indicating your proposed interruptible power, before October 1.
Your interruptible power must be at least 3,000 kW, or 20% of the maximum contract power of the previous 12 consumption periods, whichever is higher.
Conditions of application
| Notice: | 2 hours |
|---|---|
| Maximum number of interruptions per day: | 2 interruptions |
| Minimum break between interruptions: | 4 hours |
| Maximum number of interruptions per winter: | 20 interruptions |
| Interruption duration: | 4 to 5 hours |
| Maximum duration of interruptions per winter: | 100 hours |
Financial compensation
Fixed credit:
$8.50 per kilowatt of effective interruptible power for the period of the agreement
Variable credit:
12.00¢ per kilowatthour (kWh) of energy interrupted at Hydro-Québec's request
Examples of total credits (fixed and variable)
| Hours interrupted | Total credit (¢/kWh) |
|---|---|
| 10 | 97.00 |
| 20 | 54.50 |
| 30 | 40.33 |
| 40 | 33.25 |
| 50 | 29.00 |
| 60 | 26.17 |
| 70 | 24.14 |
| 80 | 22.63 |
| 90 | 21.44 |
| 100 | 20.50 |
Overrun penalties
If you don’t honor the terms of your agreement, you will be subject to a penalty.
For more information
Are you already a Rate L customer? Get in touch with your Commercial Delegate.
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Running-in of new equipment – Rate L
The running-in option is an arrangement offered to large-power (L) account holders who wish to run in new equipment.
Helping you carry out your projects
If you have to run short tests before putting new equipment into service or are about to commission a new plant, your power demand may rise, pushing up the cost of the kilowatthours you consume.
Potential savings
With the running-in option, you can be temporarily exempted from certain conditions that apply when you exceed your billing demand. Your bill will be based on an average price for energy during the running-in period.
Sign-up procedure
To take advantage of the running-in option, you must advise Hydro-Québec in writing at least 30 days before the start of the running-in period, specifying the type and power of your equipment.
The power of the equipment being run in must equal at least 10% of the contract power in effect at the time you make your written request, but can be no less than 500 kW.
Calculation of billing amount during running-in period
Existing large-power customers
An average price in ¢/kWh will be established based on the last 12 consumption periods during which there was no running in, as well as Rate L prices and conditions in effect during each consumption period to which running-in applied.
During the running-in period, the energy consumed is billed at this average price, plus 1 to 4%, depending on the relative size of the equipment being run in.
These conditions can apply from 1 to 12 consumption periods.
New large-power customers
You must supply Hydro-Québec with an estimate of the power demand and energy for the running-in period.
An average price in ¢/kWh will be established based on Rate L prices and conditions in effect during each consumption period to which running-in applied.
During the running-in period, the energy consumed is billed at this average price plus 4%.
Once three consumption periods have passed after the end of running in, the invoices to which the running-in period applied will be adjusted according to the average price for these three months plus 4%.
For more information
Are you already a Rate L customer? Get in touch with your Commercial Delegate.
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Equipment testing – Rate L
If you have to run short tests before putting new equipment into service, your power demand may rise, pushing up the cost of the kilowatthours you consume.
Potential savings
With the equipment testing option, Rate L customers can be temporarily exempted from certain conditions that apply when you exceed your billing demand. Your bill will be based on an average price for energy for the testing period.
Conditions of application
To take advantage of the equipment testing option, you must advise Hydro-Québec in advance of the testing start date and duration.
The equipment testing option can apply for a minimum of one hour and a maximum of one consumption period.
Calculation of billing amount
Rate L applies to the attested billing demand for periods with no testing and to the energy for the consumption period.
Any surplus power during the testing periods is billed as follows:
10.00¢ per kilowatt of power in summer period or
30.00¢ per kilowatt of power in winter period
multiplied by the number of hours in the testing period.
For more information
Are you already a Rate L customer? Get in touch with your Commercial Delegate.
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Additional electricity – Rate L
This option for Rate L customers provides an opportunity to consume a small amount of electricity in excess of your normal consumption in off-peak hours to meet short-term or exceptional need.
The price applicable to additional electricity combines power and energy and reflects Hydro-Québec Distribution's average marginal supply cost.
Hydro-Québec reserves the right to prohibit, on two hours' notice, the consumption of additional electricity, depending on its grid management needs and availability.
Calculation of invoice amount
Energy billed as additional electricity is calculated in 15-minute blocks.
- Consumption that exceeds the reference power is billed at the applicable price for additional electricity.
- The reference power and the rest of the energy are billed at Rate L prices and conditions.
Conditions of application
Hydro-Québec will inform you of the price of additional electricity seven business days prior to the start of each calendar month. The price remains the same for the full month.
To take advantage of this option, you must apply to Hydro-Québec at least five business days prior to the start of the consumption period.
The option goes into effect at the beginning of the consumption period, subject to an agreement on reference power and Hydro-Québec's acceptance.
You must agree to adhere to the additional electricity option for a whole consumption period.
For more information
Are you already a Rate L customer? Get in touch with your Commercial Delegate.
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
This is the minimum amount of power the customer must pay for. The threshold is set so that the customer pays its share of the costs incurred by the Distributor to meet its maximum power needs during peak periods. The minimum billing demand is determined by the conditions of each rate, as indicated in the Distribution Tariff.
Expressed in kilowatthours (kWh), energy is the power used by electrical installations over a given period of time. It is calculated as the power multiplied by the time during which it is used.
Energy (kWh) = power (W) x time used (h)
1,000
Expressed in kilowatts (kW), power demand is the total amount of electricity required by equipment at a given time. In more technical terms, it is the combined effect of voltage and current.
Demand (kW) = voltage (V) x current (A)
1,000
Real power is the component of apparent power that operates equipment that produces heat (lighting equipment, radiators, etc.) and is expressed in kilowatts (kW).
Apparent power is the power supplied by Hydro-Québec. When it is used, it is broken down into real power (kW), which runs equipment, and reactive power (kVAR), which results in the creation of magnetic fields.
Maximum power demand corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
- Real power
- 90% of apparent power
Maximum power demand corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
- Real power
- 95% of apparent power
The winter period runs from December 1 through March 31 of the next year, inclusively.
The summer period runs from April 1 through November 30, inclusively.
Voltage is the difference in electrical potential between two points.
It is expressed in volts (V) and is a function of power expressed in watts (W).
Voltage (V) = power (W)
current (A)
Load factor (LF) is the relationship between the real power consumed (in kWh) and the maximum power that can be used in a given period, as a function of the use of the maximum power demand. It is used to evaluate the use of maximum power demand for a given billing period.
LF = Consumption during the period (in kWh)
Maximum power demand x number of hours in the period x 100
The power factor is the ratio between real power and apparent power.
PF = Real Power
Apparent Power x 100
Contract power is the minimum amount of power that you agree to pay for and that Hydro-Québec agrees to supply at all times.
Effective April 1, 2010, contract power may no longer be modified.
By April 1, 2011, contract power will have been replaced by minimum demand, calculated automatically, for all Rate M customers.
Minimum demand is the minimum amount of power billed, and is automatically based on your previous winter consumption.
By April 1, 2011, minimum demand will have replaced contract power for all Rate M customers. An automatic calculation method has been phased in progressively, in stages, since December 2009.
For Hydro-Québec, contract power represents the customer-selected power level it must be ready to supply at any time in response to customer demand. For the customer, it is the minimum power they have to pay for.
An estimate, expressed in kilowatts, of the interruptible power that is, on average, interrupted by the customer when the Distributor requires it.
Reference power must reflect the customer's normal consumption at Rate L. It is expressed in kilowatts (kW).
