Electricity is an essential commodity for development and for improvements in standards of living. In developed nations we take for granted electricity in schools, hospitals, businesses and homes. However, 2 billion people throughout the world are still without of electricity and hence deprived of these basic benefits.
The 2000 Québec e7 Summit was hosted by Hydro-Québec for the second time in the history of the e7.
To contribute efficiently and effectively to the sustainable development of electric power systems in developing countries, the host company proposed to the Chairmen that guidelines on “Pooling of Resources and Interconnections of Systems” as a tool for Regional Electricity Co-operation and Integration, be the theme of the year 2000 Summit.
Recently, three of the e7 countries faced an unpredictable weather situation that had serious impacts on their national electric grids. To discuss the implications of such events and their relationships to social trust, a round table on “Social Trust in Crisis Management” was organised at the 2000 Summit.
Major global environmental and social issues that affect the electric utility industry are considered to be the top priorities of the e8.
The issues of sustainable development, climate change, social trust, and internationalisation are the focus of the e8's actions.