Hydro-Québec asks public to reduce consumption

MONTREAL, QUEBEC - Hydro-Québec anticipates record electricity consumption due to the extremely cold weather expected in the next few days. According to projections, Québec's requirements will reach 37,900 MW, exceeding the record power demand peak of 36,368 MW registered on January 15, 2004.

Given the current situation, Hydro-Québec is calling upon the public to reduce electricity consumption during peak hours, in order to give it an additional operating margin.

Hydro-Québec asks that consumption be reduced during the following peak hours:

- Thursday, January 15: between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

- Friday, January 16: between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.

The most effective measures to reduce consumption are as follows:

- Turn down the heat by 2 degrees in all rooms;

- Limit lighting to what is strictly necessary, especially outdoors;

- Limit hot water use; - Avoid using dishwashers, clothes washers or dryers.

To help ensure service reliability, Hydro-Québec has applied various means at its disposal to meet exceptional circumstances. Furthermore, Hydro-Québec will reduce heating and lighting throughout its Québec facilities and will turn off the illuminated sign at the top of its head office building.

The company wants to thank the public for its cooperation and will keep it informed.