Efficient Solutions Program — Small Business Component
QC, Canada
Maximize your energy efficiency savings with Hydro-Québec's Solutions efficaces program
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|minCount
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grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 14, 2019
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
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- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Hydro-Québec
- Gouvernement du Québec
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grant_card_status|open
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The grant under the Solutions Efficaces program provides financial support for small businesses in Quebec to enhance energy efficiency and demand management projects in their commercial, institutional, or industrial buildings.
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This grant is available to companies within the geographical jurisdictions that use Hydro-Québec's electricity services. These areas must conform to specific electricity network criteria.
- Companies located in the Province of Quebec.
- Enterprises utilizing Hydro-Québec's electricity network.
- Businesses served by an eligible autonomous network.
- Organizations within a municipal or cooperative electricity network as specified.
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$100,000
Implement a comprehensive energy efficiency upgrade for a manufacturing plant in Montreal.
$60,000
Conduct energy analysis and efficiency upgrades in a Montreal-based educational institution.
$125,000
Upgrade energy systems in a healthcare facility in Quebec City for higher efficiency.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the profile of the business and the characteristics of the buildings involved.
- The business must be located in Quebec.
- The buildings involved in the project must fall under the tariff G for electricity service and delivery.
- The project buildings must be intended for commercial, institutional, or industrial activities.
- The buildings must be powered by the Hydro-Québec network, an eligible autonomous network, or an eligible municipal or cooperative network.
- For new buildings, businesses must have at least three months of electricity billing history before presenting the project.
- Projects from public organizations are not eligible under this segment and must apply under the "Moyennes et grandes entreprises" segment.
- Projects involving agricultural market buildings must be applied for under the "Volet Agricole" program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The grant is intended for small businesses operating within the commercial, institutional, or industrial markets in Quebec, aiming to improve their energy efficiency performance through various projects.
- Small businesses with buildings subject to tariff G for electricity service and delivery.
- Businesses intending to undertake modernization, expansion, major renovation, equipment addition, or construction projects.
- Projects must aim at substantial energy efficiency improvements and meet Hydro-Québec's specific criteria.
- Applicants must adhere to Hydro-Québec’s regulations and ensure the proposed projects are not mandatory for regulatory compliance.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant is designed specifically for projects within certain markets and excludes specific types of organizations to align with its strategic objectives. Some companies and industries are not eligible based on their operational status and primary activities.
- Public organizations including all levels of government, health and social services establishments, municipal and school bodies are excluded and treated under a different program category.
- Projects mandatory for compliance with federal or provincial laws, regulations, or norms are not eligible.
- Any project with a negative impact on health, safety, or the environment is excluded.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant is designed to encourage small businesses to enhance their energy efficiency and demand management strategies. The eligible projects focus on optimizing electricity consumption across various building types.
- Modernization projects for small businesses.
- Expansion or major renovation projects.
- Additions of equipment or construction.
- Projects that aim at energy efficiency in commercial, institutional, or industrial markets.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers expenses related to the acquisition of new equipment and the installation required for implementing energy efficiency measures.
- Costs of new equipment purchase for energy efficiency and demand management measures.
- Installation costs associated with new equipment in the pursuit of energy efficiency.
grant_single_labels|criteria
There are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The criteria include:
- Energy efficiency measures proposed
- Financial feasibility
- Expected energy savings
- Relevance to the program
grant_single_labels|register
Here are the steps to apply for the grant:
- Step 1: Prepare Your Project
- Download the version of the OSE tool corresponding to your Project’s start date.
- Use the OSE tool to evaluate the potential financial support.
- Review the Participation Guide and Conditions and Commitments document.
- Ensure your measures are eligible within the Participation Guide and OSE.
- Step 2: Submit Your Completed Project
- Fill out the OSE forms following the prescribed steps.
- Email completed OSE files, Confirmation of Project Completion, and any Notices of Participation to bureau.eeaffaires@hydroquebec.com.
- Include supporting documents such as detailed invoices and proof of electricity billing under Rate G, if applicable.
- Step 3: Compliance Verification and Approval
- Hydro-Québec may request additional documentation to verify the implementation of energy efficiency measures.
- Hydro-Québec may conduct site visits to ensure compliance and program requirement fulfillment.
- The Project is approved or financial assistance is recalculated based on compliance.
- Receive notification of the approved financial support amount.
- Step 4: Invoice for Financial Support and Applicable Taxes
- Create an original invoice using your accounting system.
- Email the invoice to Hydro-Québec within thirty (30) days of their request.
- Ensure the invoice format is PDF; Word or Excel formats are not accepted.
- Step 5: Financial Support Payment
- Hydro-Québec processes the payment approximately forty-five (45) days after receiving a compliant original invoice.
- Ensure all program requirements are met to receive the approved financial support.
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Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The program is specifically focused on projects related to energy efficiency and demand-side management.
- There are specific communication requirements, where Hydro-Québec can verify submitted information and inform about the status and processing of the funding application.
- All documents submitted must be in French, following the regulations of the "Charte de la langue française."
- The Appui financier must comply with Hydro-Québec's requirements and needs to be calculated using the OSE tool.
- Hydro-Québec's verification process might require additional documents to justify the measures implemented in the project.
- The eligibility for remuneration incentives for partners or aggregators requires that the total financial supports granted to associated projects reach a minimum threshold of $50,000 per year.
- Payment timelines indicate that the financial support is disbursed approximately 45 days after receipt of a compliant original invoice, provided all program requirements are met.
grant_single_labels|contact
affaires@hydroquebec.com
1-800-463-9900
Apply to this program
Promoting Energy Efficiency for Small Businesses in Quebec
Hydro-Québec's Solutions efficaces program offers substantial financial support to Quebec-based small businesses looking to enhance their energy efficiency and manage power demand more effectively. Tailored specifically for small commercial and institutional enterprises, this initiative aims to optimize energy consumption patterns and encourage the adoption of innovative energy management solutions.
Comprehensive Overview of Hydro-Québec's Solutions efficaces Program for Small Businesses
The Solutions efficaces program is a cornerstone of Hydro-Québec's commitment to facilitating Quebec’s energy transition. Recognizing the pivotal role small businesses play in the economic landscape, this program focuses on reducing energy consumption and improving operational efficiency through financially supported projects. The program provides financial aid to qualifying businesses in the commercial, institutional, and industrial markets that are billed under Rate G for electricity.
Eligible projects can encompass various efforts such as modernization, expansion, or significant renovations, all aimed at enhancing energy efficiency. Small businesses can take advantage of the program to install new, efficient equipment or upgrade existing systems to reduce electricity consumption. The program is structured to provide a clear pathway for small businesses to embark on energy-saving measures while benefiting from financial incentives that offset the costs associated with the adoption of new technologies. Moreover, the Solutions efficaces program supports projects that implement demand-side power management measures, strengthening the resilience of businesses against peak power demands.
Specific tools, like the OSE (Outil Solutions efficaces), help participants quickly estimate the financial support available by assessing pre-defined measures of energy efficiency and demand-side power management strategies. Once a project is deemed eligible, businesses can expect significant financial support, with appraisals ensuring that equipment installed meets high standards of certification or endorsement by recognized bodies, thus ensuring reliability and efficacy.
The program encourages participation not only to secure financial aid but also to contribute to a broader provincial objective of energy sustainability. This aligns with contemporary environmental standards and provincial regulatory frameworks aimed at reducing carbon footprints. Small businesses participating in this program can therefore achieve critical operational upgrades while aligning themselves with mandatory provincial and national environmental standards.
Transparency is integral throughout the process. Hydro-Québec maintains an open channel of communication, ensuring that participants, partners, and aggregators are kept informed of the status and progress of their applications, and any additional documentation is handled promptly. Furthermore, tax considerations are managed in compliance with fiscal regulations, facilitating smooth financial operations for beneficiaries receiving support.
Overall, Hydro-Québec’s Solutions efficaces program offers small businesses an excellent opportunity to enhance energy efficiency and operational functionality. By investing in the modernization and energy management of their infrastructures, businesses not only reduce operational costs but also actively participate in Quebec ’s sustainable energy future, making this program an essential asset for any small enterprise aiming for innovation and efficiency in its operations.
