Under its partnership agreements with Hydro-Québec, the smelter agrees to contribute to the collective effort to reduce electricity consumption during extreme cold spells. This interruptability request, however, marks a milestone for Alouette—the first time in the company’s history that it has received more than 12 requests from the government corporation in a single season.

What’s more, when Quebec hit record peak demand on January 24, Alouette went above and beyond, surpassing its commitments by 75 additional megawatts for a total single-day reduction of 375 megawatts.

“As a responsible corporate citizen, we have a duty to support Hydro-Québec in this unusual situation so it can continue to serve the community,” said André Martel, Aluminerie Alouette President and CEO. Much more than a simple client/provider relationship, the bond between Aluminerie Alouette and Hydro-Québec is one of long-term partnership.

The company, based in Sept-Îles on the North Shore, has been an energy efficiency leader for many years. According to a recent study by the International Aluminium Institute, Aluminerie Alouette is again the top performer in terms of specific energy consumption.