It's hard to research even for a french speaker though - I think I might reasearch and write something on it just to clarify my own opinions
Source : https://www.hydroquebec.com/data/documents-donnees/pdf/annua...
I'm not super sure what you're referring to, Hydro Quebec's (often significant) profits are returned as dividends to the government. This year was $3.4 billion[0], and while I'm sure they have private contractors, but I can't imagine they're raking in anywhere near that.
0. https://globalnews.ca/news/9503363/hydro-quebec-record-finan...
This is an old opinion that I haven't revisited in a couple years, thanks for the link
The company is publicly owned - I was totally wrong and am very proud of HQ now!
Especially their work in battery research!
However exporting those profits to neighboring states might not be as valuable unless they are looking for currency hedge + contracted power arrangements.
Worth noting!
This looks like the national electricity model in Quebec, where the public absorbs risk and the private part of the private-public partnership absorbs profits. Just the best!