Energy consumption: Are companies taking the lead?

Electricity consumption in Québec

In Québec, we’ve opted to focus on cleaner energy sources, such as hydropower and solar and wind power, in order to reduce our carbon footprint. Consequently, the demand for electricity has skyrocketed, fuelled by the development of plug-in electric vehicles and the shift to renewables to meet the energy needs of buildings. This is known as the energy transition.

By 2050, Québec’s electricity consumption will double. At the same time, although the water used to generate electricity is a renewable resource, the capacity of our generating stations is limited and must be carefully managed.

What does that mean in real terms? It means that everyone—the public and companies alike—must strive to use electricity as efficiently and moderately as possible. And for Hydro‑Québec, it means generating more electricity to meet the growing demand.

The role companies play when it comes to decarbonization

In this major shift toward a low-carbon economy, our clean electricity puts Québec ahead of the game compared with other countries. However, there’s still room for improvement: close to 50% of the energy consumed in Québec still comes from polluting sources that emit greenhouse gases (GHG).

More than half of all companies and institutions, such as hospitals, use natural gas, oil or even coal for heating.

Close to two-thirds of the energy consumed in Québec is used by industrial, commercial and institutional sectors. Companies and organizations therefore have an important role to play in efficiently managing our resources and reducing GHG emissions. By 2035, more than a third of the additional electricity generated by Hydro‑Québec will be used to decarbonize these industries.

Challenges and new perspectives for companies

It is encouraging that many Québec companies have already taken the energy shift, and many more are following suit by embracing innovative strategies to reduce their carbon footprint. They are adopting energy-efficient technologies, increasing the efficiency of their processes, shifting their consumption to off-peak hours to reduce power demand during peak demand events, investing in renewable energy sources, and more. In short, their many actions contribute to the energy transition and demonstrate their commitment to environmental sustainability.

Financial assistance and support programs, such as those offered by Hydro‑Québec, contribute to the transition to a greener economy. Solutions like tailored rate offerings and energy efficiency programs encourage companies to adopt more sustainable practices while minimizing their environmental impact. For many companies, it’s the boost they need to take action and invest in efficient solutions.

In 2023, over 515 GWh were saved through efforts made by companies. That’s equivalent to the annual consumption of the city of Sorel‑Tracy.

Embracing smart energy management

By turning toward solutions such as new, more energy-efficient appliances and advanced energy demand management systems, Québec companies are transforming the energy landscape. These innovations promote an even more proactive management of their electricity use, thereby optimizing the use of resources while meeting fluctuating demand.

Ultimately, smart energy management is a challenge affecting us all. For both households and businesses, every little bit helps, and every decision impacts our energy future. By implementing more sustainable practices and adopting innovative technologies, we can all contribute to a cleaner, more energy-efficient future.