Hydro-Québec’s core mission is to ensure the reliable generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power across Quebec’s vast and diverse infrastructure network. The agency prioritizes the modernization and resilience of high-voltage transmission systems, substations, and related power inf...
Hydro-Québec’s core mission is to ensure the reliable generation, transmission, and distribution of electric power across Quebec’s vast and diverse infrastructure network. The agency prioritizes the modernization and resilience of high-voltage transmission systems, substations, and related power infrastructure to support energy security, grid stability, and integration of renewable energy sources. Strategic initiatives focus on upgrading aging assets, enhancing grid automation, and expanding transmission capacity to accommodate growing demand and interconnection projects. Key programs include the reinforcement of 735 kV and 230 kV transmission corridors, substation modernization, and auxiliary service upgrades to ensure operational continuity under extreme conditions.
Procurement patterns reveal a dominant emphasis on power line and related structures construction, with recurring contracts for the installation, replacement, and security of overhead transmission lines, pylons, conductors, and insulators. The agency also procures specialized electrical and structural services for substation upgrades, including concrete foundations, switchgear integration, and protection system overhauls. Contracts are typically awarded through competitive solicitations under open access mechanisms, with no set-asides observed, indicating a focus on technical capability over demographic preferences.
Industry preferences center on NAICS 237130 for transmission infrastructure, followed by 238120 for precast concrete structures and 541512 for digital visualization tools supporting asset management. The agency consistently engages contractors with proven expertise in high-voltage electrical systems, heavy civil construction, and industrial engineering. Vendor relationships are built on technical certification, safety compliance, and experience in complex, mission-critical environments.
As a Crown corporation under the Government of Canada, Hydro-Québec operates with provincial jurisdiction over Quebec’s electrical grid, managing a vast network spanning remote and urban zones. It utilizes standard federal procurement vehicles for construction and engineering services, relying on open tenders and technical evaluations to select qualified contractors for large-scale infrastructure projects.
