Hydro-Québec aims to spend up to $1 million on chartering private aircraft in 2024 as part of massive future investments that will require more travel.
“The expansion of our production capacity will take place in collaboration with the communities. We want to meet them,” said Francis Labbé, spokesman for the state-owned company.
CEO Michael Sabia unveiled a massive investment plan in early November that aims to double Quebec’s electricity production by mid-century. The latter could cost up to $185 billion by 2035.
In this context, Hydro-Québec expects an “increase in its travel volume,” which is why a framework agreement for “business travel” is necessary.
Hydro-Québec CEO Michael Sabia recently unveiled an ambitious plan aimed at dramatically increasing electricity production. Archive photo, QMI Agency
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The utility estimates the cost of its trips at $500,000 to $1 million for a year, according to the public request for proposals. He pays for each trip piecemeal, depending on his needs.
The rental of private jets – a type of aircraft that is the subject of this tender – would allow Hydro-Québec managers and employees to reach hard-to-reach regions and “work more efficiently while traveling.”
“These devices must be able to land in particular on shorter or unpaved runways,” added Mr. Labbé.
This would in particular explain why Hydro-Québec cannot use its three turboprop aircraft (Dash-8 aircraft), especially since they are used almost to their maximum capacity.
The potential contract aims to relocate managers and employees “to all corners of Quebec,” but “other destinations could be covered if commercial flight is not available,” the Hydro-Quebec spokesperson explained.
It ensures that entering into such an agreement is the most effective way to meet the travel needs of its managers and employees.
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