
What royalties are paid to landowners who have wind turbines on their property?
Landowners receive $1,500 per year for each wind turbine for the duration of the contract under which the developer operates (20 years). This rate matches the terms of contracts signed by those who took part in the first wind farm that arose out of the first 1000 MW RFP issued by Hydro-Quebec. Landowners are paid an additional $35 per hectare per year. For example, if a property covers 35 hectares, the added royalty will be $1,470 per year, which, together with the provision of $1,500 per turbine, comes to almost $3,000 per year.
To be entitled to these royalties, the owner must sign a Deed of Superficies extending over a period of 20 years giving the developer the right to erect a wind turbine on the premises.