Quebec’s Low Hydroelectric Prices Linked to Billions in Equalization Payments: Study

Quebec’s Low Hydroelectric Prices Linked to Billions in Equalization Payments: Study
Hydro Quebec headquarters in Montreal, Nov. 14, 2024. The Canadian Press/Graham Hughes
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Quebec is incentivized to keep its hydroelectricity rates artificially low in order to keep receiving the largest share of Canada’s equalization payments, according to a new study from the Fraser Institute.

Even a small hike in Quebec electricity prices would lead to billions more in provincial revenue, according to the report, released May 7. However, much of the gain would be offset by a sharp reduction in equalization payments.