Fitzgibbon an aloof Secretary of Energy

Fitzgibbon, an aloof Secretary of Energy

Since his appointment as Energy Minister, Pierre Fitzgibbon has reiterated on all platforms that “we as residents use far too much electricity”. In the same breath, it invites Hydro-Québec to consider measures to limit consumer consumption, thereby freeing up energy for businesses. This statement is enough to leave you speechless! First, because it ignores the reality of a large part of the population, who struggle to heat themselves properly due to the cost of energy bills. Second, because it attacks the Hydro-Québec mission head-on, without prior collective debate.

Energy poverty among Quebecers

It’s the same chorus over and over again, Quebecers use too much energy. This moral judgment hides a reality about which we speak very little. Despite electricity rates being among the lowest in North America, many people struggle to pay their electric bills. Energy poverty currently affects one in seven households in Quebec. This means that 16% of the population struggle to meet their energy needs or do so at the expense of other basic needs such as food. This number should increase as energy costs continue to rise and homeowners are not legally required to do the work necessary to maintain good thermal comfort.

Quebec household energy use is not just a question of “good” individual behavior. Many households use a lot of energy because they live in poorly insulated houses. In fact, homes in poor condition can cause their occupants to use too much energy or limit or even stop heating. What power do tenants have over this situation? If the minister really wants to encourage households to save energy, he cannot limit himself to asking them to turn down their heating (already too low for many people). She must implement measures for thermal insulation of residential buildings. The answer to a social problem of this magnitude must be collective.

Individual consumption vs. corporate consumption

While the minister isn’t shy about lecturing Quebecers about their energy use, he seems less quick to do so when it comes to talking about business. And yet there would be a lot to say! Before placing undue responsibility on citizens, we must remember that certain sectors of the economy consume much more energy than the residential sector and that economic development is largely responsible for the increase in electricity demand. For example, the electrification of transportation, data centers, cryptocurrencies, and greenhouse cultivation (including ornamental plants and cannabis) are creating significant pressures on electricity demand. For example, by 2029, Hydro-Québec predicts that data center electricity demand will reach 4.2 TWh per year, equivalent to the consumption of 250,000 homes or the production of the Romaine-2 power plant.

When we hear the minister’s speech about Quebecers allegedly wasting energy, we get the impression that everyone has a heated spa on their balcony. We should perhaps remember that energy is not a luxury. It is indispensable for heating, eating, bathing, being healthy, working and studying. Many studies have shown that exposure to cold and heat increases risk of disease and increased mortality. We understand the government’s desire to develop Quebec’s economy. However, we believe that this should not be at the expense of public health.

Hydro-Québec was formed to provide Quebec residents with electricity at the lowest prices consistent with sound financial management. Its mission was to ensure the accessibility of an essential public service. In 1981 the government changed it to give it a commercial appeal and make it compulsory for profit. By encouraging Hydro-Québec today to force Quebecers to reduce their consumption in order to favor corporations, the minister is further distorting state society. We therefore call on the government to review its priorities in order to put improving the living conditions of all at the center of its actions.

GEN - AIRBUS CANADA VISIT A FACTORY

Emilie Laurin-Dansereau, Budget Advisor at ACEF du Nord de Montréal