Hydro-Quebec Opens its U.S. Subsidiary

HQ Energy Services US Inc. (HQUS), Hydro-Quebec's first U.S.-based subsidiary, is now open for business. Initially, HQUS' main focus will be the wholesale marketplace. The company will switch its focus to making its presence in retail markets when the regulations and market conditions change.

HQUS also plans purchase some output from diversified generating assets in the United States, which will contribute to improve the reliability of the region's interconnected systems. In addition, the company will continue to supply hydropower generated in Quebec.

Matthew LaRocque, formerly of Duke Power, was appointed president of HQUS and will head up the Pittsburgh-based power marketer's sales office. HQUS will offer multi-energy services to utilities, marketers, municipalities, and large users in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States.

Hydro-Quebec, a publicly-owned utility with a total available capacity of 37,000 MW, serves 3.4 million customers in the province of Quebec, generating 96% of its electricity through hydropower.