Hydro-Québec steps up efforts to improve power reliability in Laval-des-Rapides
Hydro-Québec says it is increasing its efforts to improve the reliability of electricity service in Laval-des-Rapides following a series of recent power outages in the area.
On June 10, Hydro-Québec met with Laval-des-Rapides MNA Céline Haytayan and Laval city councillors Seta Topouzian (Renaud-Coursol) and Martin Fiola (Laval-des-Rapides) to review recent outages and outline corrective measures already underway.
Equipment replaced after transformer failure
Hydro-Québec said its crews recently carried out additional inspections throughout the district to identify possible causes of the increase in outages.
According to the utility, a failure involving an underground transformer caused the prolonged power outage on May 20. The transformer has since been replaced with new equipment.
Hydro-Québec also reported detecting instances of conductor galloping, a phenomenon in which overhead power lines move excessively due to wind. The movement can cause electrical contact between wires, damage equipment and lead to service interruptions.
The utility said additional solutions are currently being evaluated to address the issue.
Vegetation remains the leading cause of outages
According to Hydro-Québec, vegetation continues to be the primary cause of power outages in Laval-des-Rapides, including several interruptions recorded in May and June.
To help reduce future outages, the utility plans to increase its vegetation management work already scheduled for 2026. The work will include preventive trimming of tree branches and the removal of trees considered to pose a risk to nearby power lines.
Hydro-Québec says these maintenance operations are essential because falling branches and trees remain one of the most common causes of service interruptions.
Local officials welcome the measures
In a joint statement, MNA Céline Haytayan and city councillors Seta Topouzian and Martin Fiola said they were encouraged by Hydro-Québec’s continued efforts to improve service reliability and thanked field employees for their work to reduce outages.
“We are encouraged by the measures that continue to be taken to improve the reliability of electricity service in Laval, as well as Hydro-Québec’s willingness to listen to concerns raised by residents,” they said.
Alain Paquette, advisor for community relations at Hydro-Québec, acknowledged residents’ frustrations and said the utility is giving special attention to the area.
“We understand the dissatisfaction expressed by citizens and relayed by local elected officials,” Paquette said. “This sector is receiving sustained attention from our teams, and we are confident these measures will help improve service quality in Laval-des-Rapides.”
