Hydro-Québec urges conservation as cold snap pushes power demand higher

Hydro-Québec says it is taking steps to stabilize the power grid as extreme cold drives up electricity demand across the province.

The utility plans to convert a TC Energy power plant in Bécancour, Que., a move it says will help maintain grid reliability during periods of peak consumption.

“Between Sunday and Wednesday […] we are expecting that consumption to be between 39,000 MW to 40,000 MW,” said Hydro-Québec spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent.

The TC Energy plant has a capacity of roughly 350 megawatts, enough to power about 70,000 households.

With very cold temperatures expected this weekend, Hydro-Québec says customers can also take steps to reduce pressure on the grid.

Lowering the thermostat by one or two degrees can make a difference, according to St-Laurent.

“Trying to displace the use of hot water. That’s about 20 per cent of our electricity consumption,” she said.

Hydro-Québec says it recorded three historic peaks in power use in December 2025.

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The utility is also encouraging electric vehicle owners to charge overnight, when demand is lower.

“Electric vehicles – if you could obviously prioritize doing the charging at night when demand is low, rather than during peak demand either in early morning or late in the evening. Those are things that are helpful for the grid,” St-Laurent said.

In the event of power outages, Hydro-Québec says it will work to restore service as quickly as possible, with medical facilities and emergency services given priority.