Hydro Quebec says Caniapiscau reservoir hits 24% after 21 years

Hydro Quebec’s Caniapiscau reservoir is at 24% of capacity, the lowest level recorded in 21 years. Simon Contant took a photo of the reservoir on June 2, as the company faced several years of dry conditions in northern Quebec.

Caniapiscau reservoir

The reservoir is Hydro-Québec’s largest and covers 4,300 km2. It was developed between 1976 and 1983, and it is also the largest freshwater body in Quebec.

The low level arrives after dry conditions in northern Quebec have persisted for several years. Northern Quebec also went through a record forest fire season in 2023.

Hydro Quebec profits

Hydro-Québec’s profit is down by 206 million compared with the same period last year because of the low water level in its reservoirs. The company also had record sales in Quebec despite the cold winter.

For readers watching Hydro Quebec’s water supply context, the immediate issue is not a normal seasonal dip but a reservoir that has fallen to a point not seen in two decades. That leaves the company with weaker reservoir conditions even after a winter that drove record sales in Quebec.