Hydro-Québec: Michael Sabia rejects privatization, but not nuclear

In an interview with Patrice Roy, Mr. Sabia emphasized the importance of the program Keep an open mind And the’Evaluate all options When it comes to providing enough energy to meet the needs of Quebecers, but also to promote economic development. All this with a guarantee green Quebec Energy Balance.

In the face of this circle, which seems to be necessary to harmonize, Mr. Sabya stresses thisIn the 21st century, clean electricity will drive economic developmentas was oil in the last century.

Hydro-Québec’s future CEO also wants to find him Ways to eat better, both in communities and within families. To this end, the government organization can offer adjusted rates based on the time of day the electricity is consumed.

But it will also be necessary to increase the power supply. Mr Sabia emphasized that there was no question of privatizing Hydro-Québec, but that the state-owned company could be open to increasing the number of small power plants in the province of Quebec – there are currently 58.

A more surprising aspect of these potential development plans for Hydro-Quebec: Michael Sabia is not closing the door on the return of nuclear power.

It has already been 11 years since the Quebec government, led at the time by Pauline Marois, abandoned the renovation of the Gentilly-2 power plant in Bicancourt, putting a definitive end to nuclear energy production activities in this place. From Trois-Rivières.

Mr. Sabya also mentioned the possibility of building new large dams, explaining that he did not know if this would be the best solution.

” There needs to be a plan in place to navigate this energy transition. »

Perhaps one aspect of the energy transition is a new agreement between Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador regarding the Churchill Falls power plant, from which Quebec gets a quarter of its energy.

Thus, Mr. Sabia has confirmed that the Working Group is working hard on this file, and that he will follow everything closely.

The urgency of the climate crisis

Along with this green energy enthusiasm, climate change is forcing Hydro-Québec to invest more in the resilience of its network, as well as in the maintenance of its facilities. All this, says Mr. Sabya, with the aim of reducing the number of breakdowns. Especially since these climate changes are something with us for the long haul.mentioned the former Grand Chief of the Caisse de depot et placement du Québec.

We have to get readyhe added.

Finally, for those who believe that Michael Sabella has been chosen to replace Sophie Brochu because he would be more inclined to bow to government demands, the director in question offers a warning: I think the government understands the product they are buying. Commands are not the right way to work for me.