Hydro-Québec requests 1.9 per cent rate hike

WATCH ABOVE: Hydro-Québec has asked the provincial energy board to approve a 1.9 per cent hike, despite having announced record profits last year.

MONTREAL – Quebecers may be facing another rate hike on their hydro bill starting next April.

READ MORE: Hydro-Québec’s 2014 profit surges 15% to $3.38 billion due to cold weather

Hydro-Québec has asked the provincial energy board to approve a 1.9 per cent hike, saying the rate adjustment is due to rising supply costs and harsh temperatures over the past two winters that have increased demand for services.

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READ MORE: Montrealers protest against Hydro-Québec price hikes and smart meters

This is despite the company’s profits surging by 15 per cent to $3.38 billion in 2014.

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Public hearings on the increase will be held in December.

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If the increase is approved, Hydro estimates customers will pay between $1.39 and $4 more per month depending on the size of their home.

The energy board approved a 2.9 per cent increase this past April; Hydro had asked for a 3.9 per cent hike.