Hydro-Québec and Israel Electric Corporation sign a partnership agreement in the field of cyber security

Hydro-Québec and Israël Electric Corporation (IEC) are pleased to announce today’s signing of a partnership agreement in the field of cyber security. Through this agreement the two corporations commit to collaborating on best practices and sharing information and knowledge in this field.

Hydro-Québec and Israël Electric Corporation are both government-owned electric utilities that share the same goal: to provide continuous electricity supply while protecting electrical infrastructure and operations. The power grid may be the most critical infrastructure in a country, not only for economic reasons but also due to public health and security issues. Given the increase in cyber threats and the speed at which technology develops, this partnership is natural for two companies that share common interests and challenges.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for Hydro-Québec to join forces with a company with world-renowned cyber security expertise,” said Michael D. Penner, Hydro-Québec’s Chairman of the board of directors and chairman of the Information Technologies committee. “The velocity with which new technologies and threats are deploying motivate companies and countries to collaborate and exchange continually on these significant trends in order to stay ahead and protect against these menaces”.

"Cyber threats are increasing exponentially due to the complexity of the infrastructures and the goal of improving the service to customers with projects as Smart Grid. On top of that the hackers are getting more sophisticated and organized" said  Israël Electric Corporation CEO, Ofer Bloch. "The Cooperation between two strong companies as Hydro Quebec and IEC will give our ability to hedge against cyber threats a significant boost. Definitely, IEC will benefit from these exchanges with Hydro-Québec, Canada’s largest electricity producer". 

In the next few months, Hydro-Québec and Israel Electric Corporation will set up a steering committee comprising representatives of both companies.  Among the activities planned are reciprocal hosted site visits, semi-annual discussion forums and participation in research and development programs. 

About Hydro-Québec

Hydro-Québec generates, transmits and distributes electricity. It is Canada’s largest electricity producer and is among the world’s largest hydropower producers. Its sole shareholder is the Québec government. By developing hydraulic resources, Hydro-Quebec makes a strong contribution to collective wealth and plays a central role in the emergence of a low-carbon economy. 

As recognized leaders in hydropower and large transmission systems, Hydro-Quebec exports clean, renewable power and commercializes its expertise and innovations on world markets. 

About Israël Electric Corporation

Since its establishment (1923) and up to today, IEC builds infrastructure, generates, transmits, and supplies electricity to 2.7 million customers. 

The Company’s main activities take place within the State of Israel generates, transmits, distributes, and supplies most of the electricity used in the Israeli economy, according to licenses granted by virtue of the Electricity Sector Law.  

In addition, the Company acts as “administrator of the country’s electricity system”. 

Furthermore, the Company is a licensed essential service supplier (as defined in the Electricity Sector Law, and functions as constructor of the required infrastructure for the remainder of its activities.