Hydro-Québec Distribution Tendering
First Call for Tenders

Following a March 5, 2003, decision by the Québec government, Hydro-Québec Distribution launched an initial call for tenders in May 2003 to purchase 1,000 MW of wind power.

• February 2005 - Eight contracts signed.
• Total capacity of 990 MW, for a total annual output of 3.2 TWh.
• Two winning bidders:
  • Cartier Wind Energy (739.5 MW)
  • Northland Power/Northland Power Income Fund (250.5 MW)
• Commissioning of eight wind farms between 2006 and 2012.
• Average price of 6.5¢/kWh
  • + 1.3¢/kWh in transmission costs
  • + 0.5¢/kWh for balancing services
  • = 8.3¢/kWh.
• Single wind turbine model, a 1.5 MW unit manufactured by GE.
• All wind farms will be located in the Gaspésie region of Québec.
• Minimum 40% to 60% regional content required for each wind farm.
• Wind power integration agreement with Hydro-Québec Production in order to offset the variations and low predictability in wind power output by using hydroelectric generation, thus ensuring reliable power availability at all times.