How to Apply to the ÉcoPerformance RCx Program in Québec: Complete Guide
The ÉcoPerformance program — Recommissioning (RCx) of building mechanical systems — provides financial assistance to optimize heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting in existing buildings across Québec. This provincial funding focuses on reducing energy consumption and maintaining savings through a structured, multi‑phase recommissioning process.
Administered by the Bureau de la transition climatique et énergétique under the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP), the RCx component funds the investigation, transfer and continuous monitoring phases of eligible projects. This guide explains exactly how to apply, what to include in your submission package, and how funding is disbursed.
As of December 1, 2025, the information below reflects the official program rules. Because program details can change, applicants should always verify their plans against the current participant guide and normative framework before submitting.
Overview of the ÉcoPerformance RCx Program
Recommissioning (RCx) is a systematic process to restore and optimize the performance of building mechanical systems. In Québec, the ÉcoPerformance RCx component targets existing sites and supports organizations in all energy forms. Projects follow five phases: planning, investigation, implementation, transfer, and continuous monitoring.
Key program highlights:
Québec-only provincial funding to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Buildings must be located in Québec and be existing (new buildings eligible three years after commissioning)
An accredited RCx agent is expected to lead the technical work and sign the required documents
Financial assistance is paid in two instalments: after investigation, and after transfer
The continuous monitoring phase must run for at least two years, with annual reports
What is recommissioning (RCx)?
RCx is a structured process that analyzes, tunes, and documents HVAC and lighting systems in existing buildings to reduce energy consumption and stabilize performance. In Québec’s ÉcoPerformance RCx program, projects implement low- or no-capital measures and verify results over two years.
Eligibility Requirements
Before preparing your application, verify that both your organization and project meet core ÉcoPerformance eligibility criteria.
Eligible applicant types:
Businesses and groupings of businesses (corporations, SMEs, multi-site owners)
Institutions (e.g., hospitals, schools, universities)
Municipalities and municipal organizations
Other organizations active in eligible sectors
Eligible sectors:
Industrial
Commercial
Agricultural and agri-food
Manufacturing (primary and secondary)
Institutional
Municipal
Project and building requirements:
Building location: The building must be located in Québec
Existing buildings: New buildings may participate three years after being put into service
Five-phase RCx approach: Planning, Investigation, Implementation, Transfer, Continuous Monitoring
Materiality threshold: Selected and implemented measures must represent at least 5% of the site’s pre-project energy consumption
Prior participation rule: The building must not have received ÉcoPerformance RCx assistance in the past five years
Additionality rule: If the building has a standard implementation agreement still in effect, planned RCx savings must satisfy the principle of additionality
Accredited RCx agent: An accredited RCx agent must sign the analysis documents and guide the technical process
Note: Assistance is generally not provided for capital-intensive equipment replacements under the RCx component. The focus is on operational measures, controls tuning and verifiable savings through proper commissioning and monitoring.
Required Documents
Your initial submission package must be complete to obtain an eligibility date and proceed.
Include the following:
ÉcoPerformance application form (Excel): Tabs 1 and 3.1 completed, including the “Cost Estimation” section
Scanned application (PDF): Signed and dated by an authorized person who appears in the Québec enterprise register; if not, attach a power of attorney
Description of the analysis (DOCX): Signed and dated by an accredited RCx agent
Format and preparation tips:
Use the current versions of the official templates (application form, description of analysis)
Ensure corporate authorization is clear; add a short cover note naming the authorized signatory and title
Align the scope, cost estimate and schedule between the application form and analysis description
Keep procurement documentation ready; purchase orders issued up to 30 calendar days before the program’s receipt date may be eligible once your file is complete
Post-submission documents you will need later:
Confirmation of financial assistance conditions (program form)
Financial assistance agreement for signature
Investigation Report (DOCX), signed by the accredited RCx agent
Transfer Report (DOCX), signed by the accredited RCx agent
Annual continuous monitoring reports (two reports over two years)
Updated application form tabs (2 and 3.1) for cost tracking
Copies of invoices and signed purchase orders
Step-by-Step Application Process
Follow these steps in order. The process mirrors the official “Étapes de participation” for ÉcoPerformance RCx.
Step 1: Submit Your Project (Initial Application Package)
Prepare and send a complete submission including:
Application form (Excel) — Tabs 1 and 3.1 (“Cost Estimation”) completed
Application (PDF) — Signed and dated by an authorized person listed in the Québec enterprise register; otherwise include a power of attorney
Description of the analysis (DOCX) — Signed and dated by an accredited RCx agent
Submission best practices:
Double-check signatures and dates on all documents
Confirm the RCx agent’s current accreditation status
Ensure the 5% energy reduction threshold is addressed in your analysis plan
Align your project timeline with the 24‑month completion window
Step 2: Application Review and Eligibility Date
Program officers verify your application against ÉcoPerformance eligibility rules. If accepted for processing:
You receive an eligibility date (also called the “antecedence date”)
Eligible purchase orders may be recognized up to 30 calendar days prior to the program’s complete-receipt date
You receive a “Confirmation of financial assistance conditions” document to finalize your request
You are informed of the maximum assistance amount potentially available
You receive the financial assistance agreement for signature by both parties
Action item:
Review the conditions, complete any requested updates, and sign the agreement promptly to activate the project
Step 3: First Payment — Investigation Phase
To trigger the first payment, submit:
Copy of the signed purchase order authorizing the selected firm to perform the mandate
Investigation Report (signed and dated by the accredited RCx agent)
Application form Tab 3.1 updated (Cost tracking)
Purchase order issued to the accredited agent for the RCx analysis (signed and dated)
Copies of invoices backing eligible costs
Funding disbursement:
First payment equals 75% of eligible investigation expenses (subject to program limits)
Maintain detailed records; ensure invoice descriptions match the investigation scope
Step 4: Implement Measures — Investigation Findings
Implement the measures recommended in the Investigation section:
Execute low- or no-capital improvements (controls reprogramming, setpoint resets, scheduling, tuning)
Update building mechanical systems documentation with the accredited RCx agent
Train building operations and maintenance staff to sustain results
Practical guidance:
Schedule measures to avoid peak-occupancy disruptions
Log pre- and post-implementation trends for each control strategy to support verification
Step 5: Implement Measures — Transfer Phase
Within 24 months of the agreement effective date, provide:
Transfer Report (signed and dated by the accredited RCx agent)
Application form Tabs 2 and 3.1 updated (including cost tracking)
Copies of invoices for eligible costs
A letter committing to the continuous monitoring phase with the expected monitoring cost
Agreements or confirmations of other funding (if any)
Quality indicators:
Clear description of measures implemented and expected annual savings
Documented training plan for site personnel and updates to O&M procedures
Monitoring plan outlining data sources and performance thresholds
Step 6: Second Payment — After Transfer Validation
After the program validates the Transfer Report and supporting documents:
The second and final payment is confirmed
This disbursement represents the maximum residual assistance for your project under the agreement
Tip:
Reconcile your cost ledger to the updated Tabs 2 and 3.1; flag any variances early
Step 7: Continuous Monitoring — Two Years
For at least 24 months after measures are implemented:
The accredited RCx agent supports the site’s technical staff in ongoing monitoring
You must submit two annual continuous monitoring analysis reports (signed and dated), with invoices for monitoring-stage costs:
First report: within 14 months of the Transfer Report receipt
Second report: within 26 months of the Transfer Report receipt
Sustaining savings:
Track key performance indicators (HVAC run-time, demand control ventilation status, supply air temperatures, lighting schedules)
Adjust controls seasonally and document changes
Keep sensor calibration and sequence-of-operations records current
Application Timeline
Submission and review: Varies by file complexity; expect initial confirmation steps shortly after a complete submission
Eligibility date: Set upon complete-receipt review; purchase orders issued up to 30 days before this date may be eligible
Project duration: Must be completed within 24 months of the financial assistance agreement’s effective date
Extension: Up to 6 additional months may be granted in exceptional circumstances
Monitoring period: Two years after implementation, with reports at 14 and 26 months post‑Transfer
Plan backwards from the 24‑month window. Reserve time for investigation fieldwork, measure implementation during appropriate seasons, staff training, and monitoring setup.
Funding Amounts and Payments
Investigation phase: Up to 75% of eligible investigation costs (first payment)
Transfer + continuous monitoring phases: Assistance available up to a program cap (commonly referenced as up to $100,000 for these combined phases)
Overall cap: The total assistance cannot exceed the maximum amount authorized per building in your agreement
Important notes:
Planning and Implementation phases themselves are not funded under RCx (however, implementing the measures identified in Investigation is required for the project)
Salary and fee caps, and internal expense ceilings, follow program guidelines
Use the internal expenses declaration template to document internal labour
Tips for a Successful Application
Engage an accredited RCx agent early: Accreditation is essential, and the agent must sign key documents
Define a realistic scope: Focus on measures likely to surpass the 5% energy savings threshold
Align documents: Ensure the application form, description of analysis, and budget match
Build a 24‑month schedule: Time the investigation, measure implementation, training, and monitoring milestones
Prepare procurement in advance: Draft purchase orders so they can be signed as soon as your eligibility date is confirmed
Train staff: A clear training plan strengthens your Transfer deliverables and long-term performance
Anticipate other funding: Disclose any stacked incentives to remain compliant with program rules
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Submitting an unsigned or undated application PDF, or missing corporate authorization details
Using a non-accredited agent or missing the agent’s signature on analysis documents
Omitting Tabs 1 and 3.1 in the Excel form, or misaligning totals with invoices
Underestimating the 5% energy savings threshold or failing to document the baseline
Missing the 24‑month completion window or delaying monitoring setup
Incomplete purchase orders (missing dates, signatures, or scope) and invoice mismatches
Neglecting to update Tabs 2 and 3.1 for cost tracking at Transfer
What Happens After You Apply
File review: Program staff verify eligibility, completeness, and budget
Eligibility date assigned: You receive the antecedence date for expenses
Conditions confirmation: You complete and return the conditions form
Agreement signature: Both parties sign the financial assistance agreement
First payment: Upon approval of the Investigation package and invoices
Implementation and Transfer: You complete measures, training, and documentation
Second payment: After validation of Transfer deliverables and costs
Monitoring: Two annual reports at 14 and 26 months, with corrective actions as required
If your file is not approved initially, clarify the gaps, correct documentation, and re‑submit. Where scope adjustments are needed, coordinate updates with your accredited RCx agent and the program contact to stay within the agreement terms.
Conclusion
The ÉcoPerformance RCx application process in Québec is structured and predictable when you follow the official steps and templates. Start with an accredited RCx agent, assemble a complete submission (Excel Tabs 1 and 3.1, signed application PDF, analysis description), and plan a two‑year monitoring path after Transfer. By aligning your scope with the 5% savings threshold and documenting costs meticulously, you can secure provincial funding to optimize your building’s mechanical systems and sustain energy savings. For broader context, consult companion resources on eligibility (“Who can apply”) and scope (“What can ÉcoPerformance fund”) to finalize your strategy.
