Hydro-Québec and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), the largest state-owned power organization in the United States, signed an agreement by which they commit to provide mutual assistance to guarantee continuous power supply in both Québec and New York State. Hydro-Québec and the NYPA are acutely aware of the critical role this supply plays and the importance of regional cooperation in the context of a pandemic.
"We are proud to lend our expertise to our New York colleagues and rely on their support in case of an emergency," said David Murray, Chief Operating Officer of Hydro-Québec and President of Hydro-Québec Production.
The agreement provides for an fast-track mechanism to share expertise and specialized workers as well as equipment and materials.
Each company will first determine whether it is able to provide assistance to the other, taking into account its own operational requirements and considerations respecting the health and safety of its workers.
Québec and New York have a long history of working together in the power sector. Québec's first electricity exports to New York go back to 1910. Last year, Québec hydropower made up about 5% of the total consumption of New York State.
The agreement will remain in effect until the end of September 2020.
