Hydro-Qubec rates to increase by 2.4 per cent

Hydro-Qubec has been given the go-ahead to increase electricity rates by 2.4 per cent on April 1st. That's a substantial increase, but far less than the Marois government had been seeking.

The province's energy board announcedthe approved rate hike today.

Last summer Hydro announced it would seek an increase of 2.9 per cent.

In its autumn budget, the provincial government said it would seek a 3.4 per cent increase, as part of its plan to take bigger profits from the public utility.

The average Quebec household should expect to pay about $30 more each year.