A significant number of Electric Power engineers are expected to retire in the next decade, and in some utilities, more than a third. Hydro-Québec, a leading utility in generation, transmission and distribution, has therefore taken the initiative, with the help of six local universities and the support of the local electrical power industry, to create and finance an Institute of Electrical Power Engineering.

The main objective is to train and recruit students in sufficient numbers to meet industry needs.

The lnstitute also allows participating universities to offer a comprehensive program in this discipline.

Innovative aspects of the lnsitute include the development of a specialized program of courses and laboratories common to member universities, the active involvement of industry in program development and instruction and incentives for students such as scholarships, industrial projects and internships.