Washington, January 10, 2013

Hydro-Québec receives EEI's 2012 Emergency Assistance Award

Hydro-Québec receives EEI's 2012 Emergency Assistance Award

Hydro-Québec's Daniel Dumas talks about the company's operations supporting local crews in the United States in 2012.

Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today honored Hydro-Québec with the association’s 2012 Emergency Assistance Award for their efforts to help other electric utilities restore power following Superstorm Sandy, in October 2012, and a series of thunderstorms that devastated the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions in June.

The electric power industry’s Emergency Assistance Award has been presented each year to EEI member electric utility companies since 1998. The award recognizes extraordinary efforts undertaken in restoring electric service to another utility company that has been disrupted by severe weather conditions or other natural events. Hydro-Québec was chosen by following an international nomination process, and the award was presented during EEI’s Winter CEO meeting.

In June 2012, Hydro-Québec rushed 30 crews to take part in a restoration effort following powerful thunderstorms that hit a large section of the Midwest before moving across the Mid-Atlantic.

Then in October, Hurricane Sandy caused more than 8 million power outages across the East Coast states. Hydro-Québec sent a total of 150 crews to New England and New York to assist in a restoration effort that lasted up to 25 days. Adding administrative, safety and mechanics personnel, more than 350 people participated in the aftermath of Sandy. 

“Hydro-Québec’s restoration assistance following Superstorm Sandy and thunderstorms in the Mid-West and Mid-Atlantic regions was truly remarkable,” said EEI President Tom Kuhn.  “Getting the lights back on quickly and safely following a major storm is never easy.  Working through the industry’s mutual assistance program, Hydro-Québec's crews were essential in helping their fellow utility companies restore service in affected neighborhoods. Importantly, Hydro-Québec's assistance also shows their compassion in helping others in their time of need.  I congratulate them.”

The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) is the association of U.S. shareholder-owned electric companies. Our members serve 95 percent of the ultimate customers in the shareholder-owned segment of the industry, and represent approximately 70 percent of the U.S. electric power industry. We also have more than 65 International electric companies as Affiliate members, and more than 170 industry suppliers and related organizations as Associate members.