Hydro Québec Risk Report

⚖️ Legal & Regulatory

Hydro-Québec faces significant legal and regulatory challenges, particularly concerning its projects involving the Innu community. The company has been involved in several disputes and protests, disrupting its operations and potentially leading to legal repercussions. The continuous disagreements highlight the company's struggle to manage its relationship with Indigenous communities effectively.

• Hydro-Québec is held liable under the principle of the honor of the crown 🗓 February 28, 2025, impacting its negotiations and obligations with the Innu community.
• The company plans to shift costs of agreements with Indigenous people to hydro clients 🗓 May 22, 2025, highlighting financial regulatory measures.
• A tribunal decision stipulates that Hydro-Québec network grid employees must provide essential services during overtime strikes 🗓 June 14, 2025.
• Hydro-Québec received a $5 million fine for acting in institutional bad faith toward the Innu community 🗓 January 21, 2025.

👥 Labor & Workforce

The labor force at Hydro-Québec has been facing challenges, including strikes and leadership changes. There has been a significant period of labor unrest, with strikes and negotiations occurring. The company's capacity to maintain continuity is being tested by labor movements such as these, impacting productivity and morale.

• A third union issues a strike notice at Hydro-Québec 🗓 June 2, 2025, adding pressure to the organization's management.
• Agreement in principle ratified for a major Hydro-Québec union 🗓 June 20, 2025, indicating some progress in negotiations.

🏗️ Operational & Business Continuity

Hydro-Québec's operations face disruptions from external protests and internal challenges. Despite attempts to proceed with projects, opposition from the local communities has led to halts in operations, indicating a risk to project timelines and continuity. The emerging issues at Newfoundland and Labrador sites further compound these challenges.

• Innu protesters block sites, causing Hydro-Québec to suspend work at Gull Island 🗓 July 11, 2025, disrupting project timelines.
• Operations halt at planned hydro plants in Newfoundland and Labrador due to protests 🗓 July 11, 2025.
• Following a reconciliation with the Innu Nation, a collaboration agreement was reached 🗓 June 20, 2025, yet challenges remain at operational levels.

📜 Innovation & R&D

Innovation efforts by Hydro-Québec aim to elevate efficiency and sustainability. The company has been investing in technologies such as artificial intelligence to prevent outages, the use of solar energy, and battery systems, signifying its commitment to modernizing operations.

• Hydro-Québec is testing artificial intelligence to reduce outages caused by trees 🗓 July 9, 2025, signaling technological advancements.
• Plans to add 3,000 MW of solar energy by 2035 🗓 June 10, 2025, indicating an investment in renewable solutions.