A recent cold snap pushed Hydro-Québec's network near its limit, forcing the utility to issue two rare alerts as it scrambled to meet the surge in demand for power.

The unseasonably chilly start to December across southern Quebec drove up consumption just as turbines at several hydroelectric stations were undergoing maintenance.

Hydro-Québec issued two internal "Level 2" alerts on Dec. 3 and Dec. 5, which meant the public utility had to tap into its reserves to ensure all customers would have power. Overnight lows in Montreal on those days dropped to -12 C and -17 C, respectively.

The story was first reported by Radio-Canada and later confirmed by Hydro-Québec.

The utility did not deny the alerts were issued for the first time since February 2023, but spokesperson Lynn St-Laurent mai

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