Criticism Hydro-Québec's electricity transmission system

the performance of hydro-québec transÉnergie s power grid during 1998 ice storm raised questions fundamental concept, vulnerability, , reliability of grid. critics noted power generation facilities located approximately 1,000 km (600 mi) away population centres , there lack of local power stations around montreal, served 6 735 kv feeder lines. in addition, 735 kv transmission system received scorn public , media. power transmission grid said concentrate power transmission on few 735 kv lines, such run james bay montreal. out of 6 735 feeder lines in montreal, 5 of them form loop called ring of power around city. when ring failed on january 7, 1998, 60% of greater montreal s power supply offline. hydro-québec s large above-ground transmission , distribution system considered exposed natural disasters, although cost of undergrounding grid prohibitive.

the technology utilized on hydro-québec transÉnergie grid came under fire critics. claimed technology, used improve performance, safety, , reliability, made people in quebec over-dependent on power grid energy needs, since electricity, hydroelectric power, makes on 40% of quebec s energy supply. dependence, evidenced fact ontario farmers had more backup generators farmers in quebec, can increase severity of consequences when grid fails, did in january 1998.