Electricity

The Régie has the authority to fix the rates and conditions for the transmission of electric power by the carrier and the distribution of electric power by the distributor, after holding public hearings.

It also monitors the operations of the electricity distributor to ascertain that consumers are adequately supplied, and it monitors the operations of the electricity carrier and distributor to ascertain that consumers are charged fair and reasonable rates. It approves the electricity distributors' supply plans and commercial programs. The Régie also approves investment projects, the construction of immovables or the acquisition of assets intended for the transmission or distribution of electric power.

The Act respecting the Régie de l'énergie gives Hydro-Québec the exclusive right to distribute electricity throughout the territory of Québec, excluding the territories served by a distributor operating a municipal, cooperative or private electric power system. Municipal systems also have exclusive distribution rights within the territories they serve.

The Régie has sole authority to examine consumer complaints about a decision rendered by the electricity carrier or the electricity distributor concerning the application of the rates or conditions of service. The carrier and distributor are required to apply an internal complaint examination procedure approved by the Régie.

Natural gas

The Régie has the authority to fix the rates and conditions for the supply, transmission, delivery and storage of natural gas by a distributor, after holding public hearings.

It also monitors the operations of natural gas distributors to ascertain that consumers are adequately supplied and are charged fair and reasonable rates. It approves their supply plans and commercial programs.The Régie also approves investment projects, the construction of immovables or the acquisition of assets intended for the distribution of natural gas.

The Régie has sole authority to examine consumer complaints about a decision rendered by a natural gas distributor concerning the application of the rates or conditions of service.The distributors are required to apply an internal complaint examination procedure approved by the Régie.

Petroleum products

The Régie monitors petroleum product prices and can provide the consumers with information on this regard.

With respect to gasoline and diesel fuel, the Régie has the authority to determine, every three years, an amount per litre representing the operating costs borne by a gasoline or diesel fuel retailer, and to assess the expediency of excluding the amount from or including the amount in the operating costs borne by a retailer.