Hydro-Québec said Tuesday it would no longer make donations to private high schools.

The utility made the announcement after coming under fire for making a $250,000 donation to Collège Notre-Dame private school in Montreal. Last week, the school announced it was returning the money, following public outcry over an apparent conflict of interest with Hydro-Québec president and CEO Thierry Vandal, who sits on the school's board of directors.

Hydro-Québec was also criticized for donating public funds to a private institution that some argue does not need the money.

On Tuesday, another private school, Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf, announced it would also refuse a donation from Hydro-Québec of $200,000 to be paid out over five years. The school had already received $40,000 in May, which it confirmed it would give back as well.

Hydro-Québec spokesman François Taschereau said the donation to Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf would have benefited the entire community.

"The arrangement was to support access to the future sports facilities of Brébeuf, to the communities surrounding the Côte-des-Neiges–Notre-Dame-de-Grâce area, which is a disfavoured community in Montreal," said Taschereau.

The utility confirmed Tuesday it would review its donation policies. Each year, Hydro-Québec says it donates $25 million to community organizations.

Sun Youth makes pitch for money

Montreal charity Sun Youth says it has a better idea of what Hydro-Québec can do with its money.

Each year, Sun Youth helps needy families pay their electricity bills and the charity suggested Tuesday that Hydro-Québec divert the money to them.

Hydro-Québec said it already works with Sun Youth, but is open to hearing the organization's proposal.