The Journal de Montréal takes a journalistic shortcut

Hydro-Québec would like to rectify information published in the Journal de Montréal, given that the journalist chose to ignore information and details Hydro-Québec supplied.

An announcement made on January 14, 2015

After a 40-year career, with 22 years spent as part of the company’s senior management, Hydro-Québec’s Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs and Secretary General, Marie-José Nadeau announced that she will retire on May 4, 2015. She shared her decision with the President and CEO as well as her colleagues on January 14, and with the rest of the company on January 15. Her announcement thus came before that of the President and CEO, contrary to the journalist’s assertion.

Ms. Nadeau will remain in office until May 4 and will also complete her mandate as Chair of the World Energy Council, a prestigious international position she has held since 2013. She is the first woman to hold this post.

Next-generation meters

Contrary to what the journalist put forth, the rollout of next-generation meters is progressing well. As of January 31, more than 2.6 million next-generation meters had already been installed. With an acceptance rate of more than 99%, customers are already enjoying the benefits of this new technology, including improved efficiency and service quality. For example, during the ice storm on January 4, next-generation meters enabled us to significantly reduce the time required to resolve the numerous outages.

It is true that a manager associated with the project, Georges Abiad, decided to leave the company last week. However, this departure will have no impact on the project’s progress. Hydro-Québec has 20,000 employees, including 130 executive managers. Changes in personnel in a company the size of Hydro-Québec are commonplace. More than 1000 people leave the company every year, for a variety of reasons. Needs arising from these departures are met through external recruitment.

Finally, we remind you that next-generation meters are certified by Measurement Canada and comply with all effective health and safety standards.