What Can the Technology and Business Demonstration Program Fund?
The Technology and Business Demonstration program, administered by Hydro-Québec, provides financial support for projects that showcase electricity-saving technologies in Quebec. This program is designed to support initiatives that validate the technical and commercial applicability of innovative energy-saving measures. By participating, organizations can offset costs associated with implementing advanced systems and approaches aimed at improving power demand management and enhancing energy efficiency.
Overview of the Technology and Business Demonstration Program
The Technology and Business Demonstration program aims to foster innovation in electricity-saving technologies within Quebec's residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional, and industrial markets. The program offers up to $500,000 per project to support the demonstration of new or underutilized technologies that have not yet been widely adopted in the region.
Funding Amounts & Rates
Projects under this program can receive financial support covering up to 75% of eligible project costs. The remaining 25% must be funded by the participant. The maximum funding amount is $500,000 per project, which is determined based on a thorough evaluation of the project's costs and potential impact.
Eligible Expenses
Eligible expenses for the Technology and Business Demonstration program must be directly related to the project's execution and incurred during its duration. These include:
Purchase of Equipment: Costs for acquiring equipment necessary for measurement and implementation, including eco-friendly upgrades.
Installation and Commissioning: Expenses related to setting up and starting new systems or equipment.
Optimization Costs: Costs for optimizing the equipment involved in the project.
Measurement Costs: Expenses for pre- and post-installation measurement to assess impact.
Engineering Work: Costs related to engineering services required for the project's success.
Participant Labor Costs: Salaries and wages directly related to the project.
Subcontracting and Consultancy: Payments to subcontractors or consultants providing essential services.
Equipment Leasing: Costs associated with leasing equipment for the project's duration, excluding purchase options.
Project Management: Expenses for project management and reporting to Hydro-Québec.
Marketing and Promotion: Costs for marketing and commercializing the demonstration project.
Technical Documentation Preparation: Costs for creating technical usage guides.
Non-recoverable GST and QST: These taxes are considered ineligible for reimbursement.
Ineligible Expenses
Certain costs are excluded from funding under this program, including:
Production losses or any associated losses.
Dismantling costs post-project.
Waste management expenses.
Operating, repair, and maintenance costs.
Land or real estate acquisition.
Financial penalties or fines.
Permits, licenses, or authorization fees.
Any costs incurred before contract signing with Hydro-Québec.
Expense Documentation Requirements
To qualify for funding, all eligible expenses must be documented and reflect the actual costs incurred. Participants must retain invoices from suppliers and subcontractors, which should be included in the final project report.
Examples of Funded Projects
Projects funded under this program typically involve:
Deployment of new energy-efficient technologies in industrial settings.
Implementation of advanced power demand management systems.
Development of innovative commercial approaches for energy savings.
Funding Disbursement & Claiming Process
Funding is disbursed in multiple installments, contingent upon the completion of certain project stages and the approval of progress reports by Hydro-Québec. Participants must submit detailed invoices aligned with approved budgets and timelines.
Stacking Rules
The total funding from Hydro-Québec and other external sources must not exceed 75% of the project's eligible costs. Participants must disclose all additional funding sources in their project budget.
Real-World Budgeting Tips
To maximize funding benefits, participants should:
Plan expenses carefully to ensure they fall within eligible categories.
Keep detailed records of all project-related expenditures.
Coordinate with Hydro-Québec to align project timelines with funding disbursement schedules.
Conclusion
The Technology and Business Demonstration program offers substantial financial support for projects that enhance electricity savings in Quebec. By understanding eligible expenses and planning strategically, participants can leverage this funding to successfully implement innovative technologies.
