Quebec and New York agree to share power supply if needed throughout pandemic

Hydro-Québec has reached a mutual assistance agreement with the New York Power Authority (NYPA), guaranteeing that both companies will help each other to provide a continuous supply of electricity throughout the pandemic, if needed.

According to a press release, both Quebec and the state of New York are “acutely aware” of the critical role the power supply plays in the context of the pandemic.

The deal allows for sharing expertise and the potential supply of equipment or materials as needed.

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“We are proud to lend our expertise to our New York colleagues and rely on their support in case of an emergency,” said David Murray, chief operating officer of Hydro-Québec and president of Hydro-Québec Production.

Both companies will first determine whether it is able to provide assistance to each other, taking into account their own operational requirements and considerations while respecting the health and safety of workers.

 

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The press release continues to highlight Quebec and New York’s long history of working together in the power sector. Quebec first started exporting electricity to New York in 1910. Last year, Hydro Québec says its hydropower “made up about 5% of the total consumption of New York State.”

The new mutual agreement will remain in effect until the end of September 2020.