Hydro-Quebec granted rate increases by provincial energy regulator

MONTREAL - Quebec's energy regulator has approved a 4.3 per cent increase in Hydro-Quebec rates as of April 1.

The Regie de l'energie released its decision late Thursday afternoon.

Hydro-Quebec had originally asked for a 5.8 per cent increase but the energy regulator revised several of the Crown utility's calculations.

The increase for large industrial clients will be 3.5 per cent.

Hydro-Quebec cited losses incurred in windmill-energy contracts as one reason for seeking the hikes.