The province’s energy governance body will have the power to institute variable consumer electricity rates as of April 2026, in order to “promote the reduction of electricity consumption during peak periods,” according to a government bill tabled Thursday. It also eliminates the obligation for Hydro-Québec to issue a call for tenders for new infrastructure construction. (The Logic)

Talking point: The bill reflects Quebec innovation minister Pierre Fitzgibbon’s belief that the province needs to at once increase electrical supply and curb its demand. The utility has forecasted an end to electricity surpluses by 2027, and will invest up to $185 billion to expand its grid and increase capacity by 2035. Fitzgibbon has chided Quebecers for being energy wastrels, leading some to wonder whether the state will mandate the running of dishwashers at night. The minister recently leaned into the caricature in a recent advertisement, which begins with him loading a dishwasher in the dark.