Collecting information

We collect and use your personal information so we can carry out our mission, and in particular to:

• Communicate with you.
• Process your application to jobs we’ve posted.
• Supply Hydro‑Québec’s regular services.
• Manage our various programs and activities, including energy efficiency programs.
• Maintain the security and reliability of the power grid and accurately forecast energy demand for Québec.
• Ensure the continued effectiveness and quality of our business processes.
• Understand your experience as a customer or job applicant in order to ensure that it is a positive one.
• Offer information and content that may be useful to you, promote our services and programs, understand your level of satisfaction and share our energy efficiency offers.
• Meet our legal and regulatory obligations.
• Take the necessary measures during emergencies where your life, health or safety, or that of your loved ones, is at risk.
• Detect or prevent crimes and offences against our infrastructure or property, and in particular concerning electricity theft.

We collect personal information only for the specific purposes concerned.

When we collect your personal information, we let you know how it will be used. For example, you can read the Terms of Use governing Digital Platforms and Confidentiality Policy on our website to learn more about the type of personal information we collect when you navigate our website and how we use this information.

In most cases, we collect your personal information directly from you:

• When you contact customer services
• When you use your Customer Space or our website
• As part of the programs you are participating in
• When you answer surveys or register for our digital communications
• When you consume electricity in your home
• When you visit our facilities

Your personal information is usually collected by members of Hydro‑Québec’s team. However, a third party sometimes does this for us, for example, when we conduct surveys. In this case we ask our service provider to inform you when it collects your personal information on behalf of Hydro‑Québec.

Your personal information may also be collected by us from third parties, including public bodies, data leasing partners or companies we work with in the course of our activities.

When we ask for your personal information, we let you know (unless it is obvious from the context) whether the information is mandatory and the implications of your refusal to provide the information.

For example, you are required to identify yourself and provide your contact information so that we can create your customer account. However, it is entirely your choice whether or not you wish to respond to our surveys.