ACEF du Nord is hosting a public assembly on Quebec’s energy transition and energy affordability in the province this week.

With legislation slated for later this fall, organizers fear that the province will use individual consumption rates to incentivize lower energy use ⁠— in effect raising energy costs for households already dealing with a cost-of-living crisis.

Energy Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon and Premier Francois Legault have discussed plans to incentivize clean and efficient energy use from businesses in the province. But the Minister now says the bill will likely touch on personal consumption too. 

That legislation is already under fire: an open letter signed by 32 environmental, labour and citizens groups in the province argued that a just transition deserves a citizens' consultation process. Instead, the ministry held an online call for comments this past June and July.

The Coalition Avenir Quebec government has capped hydro increases at three percent after previously tying them to the rate of inflation. But ACEF du Nord's Isabelle Mailloux-Béïque says they need to do more to keep energy affordable in the province.

"We would like the government to respect the first mission of Hydro-Québec, which was to provide low cost electricity to all Quebecers."

The town hall takes place this Wednesday, Sept. 20 from 6-9 p.m., with food at 5:30, at 7595 Boul. Saint-Laurent.

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