As a result of the second oil crisis (1979), the saturation of some electricity markets and the economic recession of the early 1980s, demand for electricity dropped significantly. The ensuing climate of uncertainty made it necessary for Hydro-Québec to overhaul its development strategy, which in turn led to successive amendments to the Hydro-Québec Act. The company slashed operating expenses and launched a blitz in all its markets to dispose of the energy surpluses that were expected to arise once the La Grande — Phase I megaproject came on line. At the same time, it began to promote energy conservation. To boost customer satisfaction, Hydro-Québec instituted major programs to improve service quality and reliability. By the early 1990s, the surpluses had been absorbed and to meet growing demand, Hydro-Québec resumed work on Phase II of the La Grande complex. As the 20th century came to a close, it began development of Sainte-Marguerite-3 generating station and stepped up its promotion of energy efficiency.

1981

A broader mandate

A new law changed Hydro-Québec’s legal status and financial structure. It became a joint-stock business corporation whose sole shareholder is Québec government, to which it must pay an annual dividend. The company received a broader mandate. It could, for example, sponsor energy conservation programs, such as the Énergain program to promote more energy-efficient housing. In 1983, another amendment to the regulatory framework explicitly gave Hydro-Québec a mandate to export firm power and to pursue endeavors in any field related to energy.

Nouveler, the road to diversification

Along with three other Québec government-owned corporations involved in financing (SGF), forestry development (REXFOR) and mining exploration (SOQUEM), Hydro-Québec took part in the creation of Nouveler, an organization with a mandate to develop new forms of energy and promote energy efficiency. Nouveler became a wholly owned subsidiary of Hydro-Québec and underwent restructuring in 1997, when it was renamed Hydro-Québec CapiTech. As a venture capital company, CapiTech invests in enterprises whose products are technology-based and energy-related.

Slide show

The following slide show contains images from the year 1981

  • Safety helmet sporting the old Hydro-Québec logo, in use from 1944 to 1964.

    Hydro-Québec historical collection
    2004.0039

  • Safety helmet bearing the new Hydro-Québec logo adopted in 1964.

    Hydro-Québec historical collection
    2004.0040

  • Safety helmet showing Hydro-Québec’s name, added to the logo in 1994.

    Hydro-Québec historical collection
    2004.0042

Top of page

1987

Phase II of the La Grande Complex

In March, the Société d'énergie de la Baie James (SEBJ) began the second phase of the La Grande complex in the Baie-James region. The work took nine years to complete and led to the commissioning of five generating stations: La Grande-2A, Laforge-1, La Grande-1, Brisay and Laforge-2, making La Grande the most powerful hydroelectric complex in the world. La Grande was the site of many technological innovations, particularly related to construction techniques in a hostile environment. The complex contributes in large measure to Québec’s enviable supply of electricity, 97% of which is renewable and non-polluting.

Slide show

The following slide show contains images from the year 1987

  • Brisay generating station.

  • Laforge-2 generating station.

  • A researcher with the Laboratoire des technologies de l’énergie works on the ThermElect heating system, which stores large quantities of heat during off-peak periods and releases it for use during peak periods. Photo taken in 2008.

In search of more efficient electrotechnologies

Hydro-Québec inaugurated its electrochemical and electrotechnologies laboratory (LTEE) in Shawinigan. The mission of this new research centre was to support the development of industrial applications for electricity, especially in mining, metallurgy, textiles, agri-food, chemicals, lumber, plastic and rubber. It provides facilities for Canadian companies to test concepts and to perfect and demonstrate electrical technologies and processes. In May 2002, its name became Laboratoire des technologies de l'énergie (LTE – Hydro-Québec's energy technologies laboratory).

Top of page

1994

Sainte-Marguerite-3, Québec’s last major hydropower project of the 20th century

As in other hydroelectric developments, the dam at Sainte-Marguerite-3 has a dual function: to collect water in a reservoir and to create a head. The head at Sainte-Marguerite-3 is an exceptional 330 metres—seven times the height of Niagara Falls. At 171 metres, the dam is the highest rockfill dam in Québec.

Sainte-Marguerite-3 dam, 2009.

Top of page

1996

Creation of a provincial energy board

The Québec government created the Régie de l’énergie du Québec (energy board), the agency that establishes the regulatory framework for the distribution and transmission of electric power. Any change in Québec’s electricity rates must be submitted to it for approval. In addition to setting rates, the Régie approves electricity supply plans, authorizes commercial programs and investments, and reviews customer complaints.

Top of page