Terrebonne, June 22, 2017 – The Association of Quebec Ski Resorts (ASSQ) receives with great interest the opinion of the Régie de l’énergie, published this morning, on “measures likely to improve pricing practices in the field of electricity and natural gas. The recommendations it contains stem from hearings held last February on these issues, in which the ASSQ actively participated.

Among the proposed solutions is the idea of ​​dynamic pricing according to time and day, thus meeting the recommendations of the ASSQ, which has long been asking for a more flexible pricing that is better adapted to the realities of the stations. There is also recognition of the potential energy gains that would result from upgrading station infrastructure, such as snowmaking, and, incidentally, possible financial support from the government through energy efficiency programs.

« As much by the proposed solutions as by the words retained, there is a real desire to recognize the challenges of the ski industry, in connection with its seasonal, economic and even climatic realities. This is clearly an important step that has just been taken for our industry in the search for durable solutions and we are optimistic for the future, » said Yves Juneau, President and CEO of the ASSQ.

This work of the Régie was initiated by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Pierre Arcand, who had asked in June 2016 to consider simpler, more flexible, more proactive and better-inspired tariff solutions. practices outside Quebec. The Association notes that the appeal was heard by the Régie.

The Association will now work to have the government adopt the Régie’s recommendations concerning the specific realities of the ski industry, in conjunction with Hydro-Québec and Transition énergétique Québec. It will also focus on changing the level of pricing so that ultimately it reaches the desired average target of 12 ¢ / kWh.

About the Association of Quebec Ski Resorts and Industry

Founded in 1979, the ASSQ is a non-profit organization grouping all ski resorts in Quebec. Its mission is to promote and defend the interests of the resorts, to promote the development of the next generation and to support the industry in order to offer skiers and snowboarders memorable experiences in the mountains. Alpine skiing and snowboarding are practiced by approximately 1.4 million Quebecers.