What will Hydro-Québec do in case of late payments?

If you have an outstanding debt with Hydro-Québec, the company will implement various collection measures to recover the unpaid amounts. It is important to understand these steps so you can be aware of your options and avoid potential consequences. Here’s what you can expect:

• 21 days before your bill’s due date
  When you receive your bill, Hydro-Québec gives you a period of 21 days to make the payment.
• 3 days after the due date on your bill
  Collection measures begin. An administrative fee of 1.2% per month (or 14.4% per year) will be added to the amount owed. You will also receive a late notice in the following days.
• 16 days or more after the late notice is sent
  In addition to ongoing administrative fees, you will have at least 16 days to pay the amount due or arrange a payment agreement before a service interruption notice is issued.
• 9 days or more before service interruption
  A service interruption notice will be sent to you. This notice will inform you that electricity supply to your address will be suspended no sooner than 9 days from its issuance date unless you immediately settle the outstanding balance or make a payment arrangement.
• 48 hours or more before service interruption
  You will receive a final call warning you that electricity supply to your address will be suspended within at least 48 hours, unless you settle the full amount immediately or arrange a payment plan.

If you wish to pay the full amount after the collection process has begun, Hydro-Québec recommends making the payment through your financial institution and confirming it without delay to suspend the service interruption process.

My electricity service has been interrupted by Hydro-Québec, what should I do?

By this stage, at least 45 days have passed since your bill was issued. Additionally, it’s important to know that Hydro-Québec may proceed with a disconnection between March 15 and November 15.

You can pay the total amount listed on the service interruption notice at any time. However, intervention fees will apply for the disconnection and will be added to your next bill.

How can I get reconnected by Hydro-Québec?

Once your payment is made, confirm it online or by calling Hydro-Québec’s customer service. Your service will be restored within hours, or at the latest, by 6:00 PM on the next business day. Intervention and administrative fees may apply and will be added to your next bill.

What if I can’t afford to pay my debt to Hydro-Québec?

If you are unable to use Hydro-Québec’s available payment options, organizations such as ACEF (Association Coopérative d’Économie Familiale) can negotiate with Hydro-Québec on your behalf. If this is not possible, or if this debt is part of a larger financial burden, the advisors at Jean Fortin can answer your questions and offer solutions tailored to your situation.

By Pierre Fortin
Jean Fortin & Associés
Personal Finance Advisor
Licensed Insolvency Trustee