Canadian power generator Hydro-Quebec, which wants to import power into Connecticut, has recognized aluminum manufacturer Alcoa for its energy efficient smelters.
Alcoa, which has major operations in Winsted and Branford, has various smelters in Canada to separate metal from ore. Two of those smelters are among the five in Canada to receive a top-level honor from Hydro-Quebec for their energy efficiency. Since 2007, the Alcoa smelters have saved 600 gigawatt hours of electricity through energy efficiency.
Hydro-Quebec generates much of the electricity in eastern Canada using hydropower. The company wants to sell its power onto the New England electric grid, and is working with Hartford-based Northeast Utilities to develop a transmission line called Northern Pass.
Hydro-Quebec hands out its Energy Savers’ Circle awards in Canada to honor various efforts of energy efficiency.
