Small nuclear power plants, electricity tariffs depending on the time of day, contributions from the private sector, partnership with the Americans… Michael Sabia is “open-minded” and wants to do everything to meet Quebec’s great challenge of energy transition.
In an interview with Mario Dumont, Michael Sabia was clear from the start: the years of energy abundance are over and this precious commodity, green energy, must be used with care and caution. That means giving serious thought to the price Hydro-Québec is charging households and businesses for it.
Mr Sabia, who will take office on August 1, says he has accepted the position “with humility” but has no intention of playing the performers with Quebec and Minister Pierre Fitzgibbon. “It is a pleasure to work with him. Because of my experience, I know how to work with governments,” he told Mario Dumont.
But Mr. Sabia wanted to put the cards on the table: “Orders are not the best way to work with me. “We will exchange ideas and work in partnership, yes, but orders, no,” he said.
Several topics were discussed during the interview. Michael Sabia also answered questions from 98.5 FM’s Paul Arcand on Friday morning. Here is a summary of the new CEO’s questions and answers:
Is your lack of energy experience a problem?
“I accepted this position with humility. The people at Hydro-Québec are very competent. The role of the CEO is to follow the most important trends in the world and bring a spirit of innovation and a fresh perspective. My job will also be to develop talent and mobilize the teams.”
What do you think of variable pricing to encourage Quebecers to use electricity more efficiently?
“You have to consider all possible elements of price management to be more efficient in terms of energy consumption. There is a tension between demand and supply. So we want to adapt and change people’s behavior to consume better, but we also want to invest to improve Quebec’s energy supply. Because it matters. Electricity is a lever for economic development.”
Will you privatize part of Hydro-Québec?
“The private sector has played a role in Quebec’s power generation for decades. We have to be open-minded. Privatize Hydro Quebec? NO. But I like the concept of partnership. Why not try to find ways together to meet this major challenge, which is a better balance between electricity demand and supply in Quebec?”
“I’m open-minded, but I’m not looking for an opportunity to privatize things or drastically change the balance between the state-owned company and private-sector contributors.”
Are new dams necessary?
“You have to be open-minded. And not just for dams. We have opportunities with wind turbines, we also need to think about the possible role of nuclear power in the future (Editor’s note: like the small nuclear reactors that Ontario offers), as well as our relationship with our American neighbors.
What should our export strategy look like?
“We have two major contracts (Editor’s note: with Massachusetts and New York). They are signed and must be respected. We cannot change the past. However, these contracts are subject to a fee, and the mutual connections between the structures represent opportunities for Quebec. We must not only think in terms of exports. With these connections, we may find more efficient ways and expand Quebec’s offerings.”
Are you going to negotiate the Churchill Falls file with Newfoundland soon?
“Everyone understands the importance of Churchill Falls. I will follow this case closely. But Churchill Falls alone will not solve Quebec’s energy needs. But yeah, it’s one of my priorities. These are long term programs and we need to move now.”
• Also read: Council of Ministers: Appointment of Michael Sabia at Hydro-Québec formalized
• Also read: Fitzgibbon paves the way for private dams to alleviate energy scarcity and Innergex raises its hand
• Also read: The daunting challenges of the future CEO of Hydro-Québec
Le Journal tried to get an interview with Michael Sabia, but Hydro-Québec never responded to our request.