Hydro-Qubec wants to hike rates by 1.9%

After a 2.9 per cent increase this year, Hydro-Qubec is asking the provincial energy board to approve another 1.9 per cent rate hike starting next April.

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The hike wouldaffect all residential customers and most business customers.

Hydro-Qubec says the rate adjustmentis due torising supply costs.

It also cites the impact of harsh temperatures over the past two winters.

Public hearings on the increase will be held in December.

If the increase is approved,Hydro-Qubec estimates that customers will pay between $1.39 to $4 more permonth,depending on the size of their apartment or home.

Quebec's energy board approved a 2.9 per cent increase this past April, which isless than the 3.9 per centhike that Hydro-Qubec had requested.