Definition
When you opt for Pre-authorized Debit (PAD), you authorize Hydro‑Québec to automatically withdraw the amount of your monthly or bimonthly electricity bill (pursuant to your electricity service contract at the applicable rates) from your bank account.
Effective date of Pre-authorized Debit
If mutually agreed upon by a payor and payee, the 15 calendar day confirmation may be reduced to a minimum of 3 calendar days if the payee verifies the identity of the payor by a commercially reasonable method of verification that uses information known only to the payor and the payee but not generally known to any other person.
Banking information
Pre-authorized debits will be made using the banking information in your confirmation letter. You must also declare that you have provided Hydro‑Québec with all the signatures or permissions required for this bank account.
Notice of banking changes
If you change your financial institution, branch or account number, you must notify Hydro‑Québec promptly by calling our customer services office at the number on your bill.
Consent to disclosure of information
You consent to the disclosure of any information contained in your Pre-authorized Debit application to your financial institution, provided that such disclosure is made in compliance with the rules governing PADs.
Insufficient funds
If a payment cannot be debited due to insufficient funds in your bank account, it will be debited on the 15th day following the date of refusal, or the next business day, if the 15th day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday. You will then be billed any applicable charges.
Cancellation
You may revoke your Pre-authorized Debit authorization at any time upon five days’ notice by calling Hydro‑Québec, or you may use a cancellation form available from your financial institution or the Canadian Payments Association Web site, www.payments.ca
. You can obtain more information on your right to cancel a PAD agreement from the same sources.
Depending on the date your request is received, one last installment may be debited from your bank account.
Hydro‑Québec may cancel the service in the following cases:
- If, on two consecutive occasions, a payment cannot be made due to insufficient funds in your account.
- If your financial institution refuses to authorize a debit for a reason other than insufficient funds.
- For any other reason Hydro‑Québec deems valid. You’ll receive written confirmation of the cancellation.
PAD cancellation does not terminate your electricity service contract. Therefore, you’re still responsible for paying your electricity bills, either by mail, online or through your financial institution.
Reimbursement
You have certain recourse rights if any debit does not comply with this agreement. For example, you’re entitled to reimbursement of any debit that is not authorized or is not consistent with this PAD agreement. For more information on your rights of recourse, contact your financial institution or visit www.payments.ca.
Errors
- In case of error, call customer services or your commercial officer at the number on your bill.
- If necessary, you may contact your financial institution, which will make the correction at your request and notify Hydro‑Québec.
- You have 10 business days from the date of the debit to claim reimbursement from your financial institution.
