Reliability Coordinator for Québec
Reliability Functional Model for North America

Across North America, electricity transmission regulations are strongly interrelated. In the U.S., the Energy Policy Act sets out mandatory reliability standards and financial penalties in case of noncompliance. Legislators in Québec have given similar powers to the Régie de l'énergie.

In 2006, Québec's transmission system was recognized by the North-East Power Coordinating Council (NPCC) as a full interconnection thanks to its being asynchronous with neighboring systems. Québec will consequently be able to develop its own reliability standards, as needed, and these will apply in addition to the relevant North American standards. Through the Régie de l'énergie, it will also be able to ensure that all users of the Québec power system fully abide by the standards in effect in the province.

The Québec Interconnection has also been recognized by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), bringing to four the number of interconnections in North America.

NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation)

• Nonprofit organization created in 1968 following the Northeast Blackout of November 9, 1965
• Comprises eight regional reliability councils (RRCs) covering the United States and Canada
• Mission
  • Improve the reliability and security of the bulk power system in North America
• Roles
  • Develop reliability standards for secure operation of power systems
  • Assess compliance and enforce standards

NPCC (Northeast Power Coordinating Council, Inc.)

• One of eight NERC RCCs. Hydro-Québec TransÉnergie, along with the other power grids in northeastern North America, belongs to it. First RRC, created in 1966 following the Northeast Blackout of November 9, 1965.
• Mission
  
  • Promote reliability of service in the bulk power system in northeastern North America
• Roles
  • Develop regional reliability standards for northeastern North America
  • Establish regionally specific criteria for northeastern North America
  • Assess compliance and enforce standards and criteria

NERC reliability functional model in the Québec context