Quebec’s provincial utility, Hydro-Quebec, proposes sharply higher electricity rates for power-intensive data centers and cryptocurrency facilities. The plan targets new data centers with a rate of 13 cents per kilowatt-hour—about double the current charge for high-volume consumers.
Gradual Increases for Existing Facilities
Data centers already linked to the grid would transition to the new rate over five years. The higher pricing applies to operations using more than 5 megawatts annually. If regulators approve, these changes take effect in the second half of 2026.
Cryptocurrency Rates to Rise Sharply
Hydro-Quebec also seeks to elevate rates for blockchain and cryptocurrency activities to 19.5 cents per kilowatt-hour over three years. Officials cite the sector’s high energy demands and modest economic contributions as key factors.
Balancing Costs and Competitiveness
These adjustments ensure data centers and crypto operations shoulder the full expense of their electricity use while keeping rates competitive. Projections show data center consumption soaring sevenfold by 2035, exceeding 1,000 megawatts. The moves allow Quebec to capture greater value from its energy assets amid rising demand.
