Not Adding Up

Hydro-Québec 'smart meters' will cost too much, eliminate jobs: union - Montreal Gazette

Hydro-Québec’s bid to install a network of "smart meters" across the province would cost the public utility $104 million, according to the union that predicts it would lose about 800 jobs cut from its roster if the project goes ahead.

One week before the Régie de l’énergie is to begin hearings on the controversial venture, the Syndicate des employés de techniques professionnels et de bureau d’Hydro-Québec denounced the move at a media conference.

The union has submitted an economic analysis of the project to the energy board that claims Hydro-Québec would lose $104 million over 20 years, instead of saving money, while the new network would wipe out a total of about 1,000 direct and indirect jobs.

Hydro-Québec has claimed, in documents filed before the regulator, that the new metering system, which is to cost almost $1 billion, would translate into savings of about $300 million over the next 20 years.