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Hydro-Québec proposed a new electricity tariff for large data centers at 13 CAD cents per kWh, nearly double the residential rate. This applies to centers exceeding 5 MW and, if approved, would take effect in H2 2026.

Existing facilities will transition to this rate over five years. Additionally, a new tariff for blockchain operations is proposed at 19.5 cents per kWh, with a three-year transition for current customers.

The proposal responds to economic and environmental concerns and aims to prevent excessive electricity cost increases. Québec has about 80 operational data centers consuming around 200 MW.