Does wind energy cost Quebec taxpayers more?

In Europe and Ontario, wind energy is purchased at rates above 10 cents per kWh, making Quebec wind energy rates among the best in Canada.

At the current rate of 6.5 cents per kWh, wind energy actually costs less than some hydropower projects such as Chute/Rapide-des-cœurs (8 cents per kWh) and the La Romaine project (9 cents per kWh).

Bids by independent producers in response to the first 1000 MW RFP came in at $1.2 billion less than what had been expected for contracts extending over 20 years. In 2004, pundits expected the median price of wind energy to reach 8.5 cents or 9.5 cents per kWh in the first year, but private independent producers quoted 6.5 cents per kWh. This difference of 2 cents per kWh for each tranche of 990 MW saves Quebec consumers $1.2 billion over 20 years.