Quebec energy board hikes rates by 3.6%

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Quebec's energy board has announced that residential Hydro-Québec clients will see the same 3.6 per cent rate increase as its commercial clients, despite a three per cent cap promised by the premier last year.

The Régie de l'énergie says the increase — set to go in effect April 1 — is due to the growth in demand, and inflation.

Premier François Legault said in a post to social media that the increase was "out of the question," adding that he'll work on a solution with members of government and Hydro-Québec, who for its part is also contesting the hike.

"As long as I am premier residential tariffs will not increase by more than three per cent annually," Legault wrote.