Efficient Solutions Program - agricultural component
QC, Canada
Maximize your farm's energy efficiency and save money with the Enhanced Efficient Solutions Program
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|fromMinToMax
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
grant_single|grantors
- Hydro-Québec
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grant_card_status|open
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The Efficient Solutions Program – Farming Component offers financial assistance for purchasing and installing energy-efficient products and systems, with funding available up to 75% of eligible expenses, capped at $250,000 for system extensions. The program aims to enhance energy efficiency in agricultural markets through measures including LED lighting upgrades, innovative greenhouses, and efficient equipment integration. Participants must engage in activities such as the installation of new technology and systems to reduce energy consumption across farming operations.
grant_single_labels|projects
The Efficient Solutions Program – Farming Component offers funding for a variety of energy efficiency projects aimed at improving energy use in agricultural operations. Eligible activities include the installation of energy-efficient products, innovative greenhouse systems, and equipment that comply with the program's technical and performance requirements.
- Replacement of general and horticultural LED lighting
- Installation of high-efficiency fans for ventilation
- Upgrading milking equipment to improve milk quality
- Adoption of energy-efficient piglet warmer models
- Implementation of geothermal and aerothermal heat pumps
- Installation of accumulation reservoirs in greenhouses
- Integration of high-efficiency air compressors
- Installation of solar walls for preheating fresh air
- Use of ENERGY STAR® certified air conditioners
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for the grant, companies must meet the following criteria:
- The project must be carried out in an Agricultural Market Building located in Quebec.
- The project must include only Agricultural Market Buildings whose subscription is subject to tariffs applicable to the agricultural market, such as tariffs D, DT, DP, Flex D, G, G9, M, L, or LG.
- The Agricultural Market Building must be owned and operated, occupied, or constructed by the participant.
- The building must be powered by one of the following networks: Hydro-Québec's network, an eligible autonomous network, or an eligible municipal or cooperative network.
- If the project includes products, equipment, and systems that are not eligible for the Efficient Solutions - Agricultural Component program, the participant may submit it under the Customized Offer of the Efficient Solutions - Medium and Large Businesses program, subject to fulfilling the program’s requirements and Hydro-Québec's prior approval.
- A participant who receives financial assistance from Hydro-Québec under the Efficient Solutions - Agricultural Component program cannot reapply for the same products, equipment, and systems in case of replacement within five years of their purchase.
- Measures involving heat pumps proposed under projects submitted to the ÉcoPerformance - Commercial and Institutional Bi-energy Component program by the Ministry of the Environment, the Fight against Climate Change, Wildlife and Parks are not eligible for the program.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant is primarily available to businesses in the agricultural market in Quebec, Canada. Eligible companies must operate in agriculture-related activities and have a contractual electricity supply under specific Hydro-Québec tariffs.
- The project must be carried out in an agricultural building in Quebec.
- The project must include buildings with electricity subscriptions under tariffs such as D, DT, DP, Flex D, G, G9, M, L, or LG.
- The agricultural building must be owned and operated, occupied, or constructed by the participant.
- The building must be powered by Hydro-Québec's network, an eligible autonomous network, or an eligible municipal or cooperative network.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
There are specific criteria for eligibility in the grant context which exclude certain types of buildings and projects. Companies or projects that do not meet these criteria will not be eligible for grant funding.
- Buildings or projects not located in Quebec are not eligible.
- Buildings not subject to applicable agricultural market tariffs are excluded.
- Buildings not electrically powered by Hydro-Québec, eligible autonomous networks, or eligible municipal or cooperative networks are not eligible.
- Projects involving products, equipment or systems required to comply with Quebec or Canadian laws, regulations, or standards are not eligible.
- Projects with negative impacts on health, safety, or the environment are not eligible.
- Projects that violate any law or regulation are not eligible.
- Buildings powered by autonomous networks or municipal or cooperative networks are not eligible for measures aimed at power management.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Yes, there are eligible expenses for this grant. The grant covers a variety of expenses related to the purchase and installation of energy-efficient products and systems.
- 75% of eligible expenses, up to $250,000 to extend the system for three-phase power.
- 50% of eligible expenses, up to $25,000 to connect the system for three-phase power.
- Costs of purchasing new, certified, and independently recognized energy-efficient equipment.
- Installation costs for energy-efficient products and systems.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant are within the province of Quebec, Canada. Both existing and new agricultural buildings in Quebec can qualify for the grant.
- Quebec, Canada
- Existing or new agricultural buildings
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Preparation of documents and required information
- Have on hand an electricity bill showing the contract number of the location where the eligible products, equipment and systems were installed.
- Have the invoices attesting to the purchase and installation of the eligible products, equipment and systems.
- Provide one of the following information:
- Quebec enterprise number (NEQ)
- Quebec sales tax (TVQ) registration number
- Social insurance number
- Step 2: Project Preparation
- Download the version of the OSE tool corresponding to your project's start date.
- Use it to evaluate the amount of financial aid.
- Read the Participant's Guide and any other related document.
- Validate the eligibility of energy efficiency measures and power demand management measures in the Guide and in the OSE tool.
- Step 3: Presentation of the Completed Project
- Fill out the OSE file according to prescribed steps.
- Email the following to bureau.eeaffaires@hydroquebec.com:
- Completed OSE files, including the Confirmation of Project Completion.
- Copy of all purchase, installation, or programming invoices for each implemented measure.
- If the participant is a client of a municipal or cooperative network targeting an existing building, a previous electricity bill must be submitted.
- Step 4: Verification of compliance and approval, if applicable, of the completed project
- Hydro-Québec may request additional documents proving the realization of the project.
- May visit the site to ensure compliance with the implementation and program requirements.
- Will approve or adjust financial assistance if project is non-compliant.
- Step 5: Billing of financial assistance and applicable taxes
- Submit an original invoice created through your accounting system to bureau.eeaffaires@hydroquebec.com within 30 days of billing request.
- Invoices in Word or Excel must be converted to PDF.
- Step 6: Payment of financial assistance
- If all program requirements are met, Hydro-Québec processes the request and delivers the financial assistance to the participant.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant provides incentives for energy-efficient upgrades in the agricultural sector, aimed at reducing electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. It includes measures for various agricultural buildings and systems, with specific conditions for financial support based on the program's requirements.
- Funding must be at least $100 to qualify.
- Participants must align with specific tariffs and network requirements.
- Incentive payments can include tax considerations depending on the entity's tax status.
- The program is applicable to a wide range of agricultural activities, including greenhouse operations and livestock farming.
- A detailed application process involves using the Efficient Solutions OSE tool to calculate eligible funding amounts.
- Financial support may not exceed the purchase and installation costs.
- Hydro-Québec reserves the right to verify installations and require refunds for non-compliance.
grant_single_labels|contact
bureau.eeaffaires@hydroquebec.com
1-800-463-9900
Apply to this program
Efficient Solutions Program – Farming Component: Enhance Your Agricultural Operations
The Efficient Solutions Program - Farming Component offers an extensive array of energy efficiency measures tailored for the agricultural market. Expanded to include greenhouse equipment and over 200 other options, this program helps farmers adopt sustainable practices while benefiting from financial incentives.
Maximize Energy Efficiency in Agriculture with the Efficient Solutions Program
The Efficient Solutions Program – Farming Component is an initiative designed to support farmers in implementing energy-efficient technologies and practices across their operations. This program, operated by Hydro-Québec, is geared towards boosting the sustainability and economic efficiency of agricultural businesses by offering financial assistance for the purchase and installation of qualified energy-efficient products and systems. The program is divided into three key modules: Products, Innovative Greenhouses, and Equipment and Systems, each of which targets specific needs within the agricultural sector. Farmers seeking to reduce their energy consumption can explore a range of efficient products under the program's Product module. This includes the installation of LED lighting for general and horticultural uses, enhancing the productivity and efficiency of operations. High-efficiency fans are also available to improve ventilation needs, crucial for maintaining optimal environmental conditions within various farming settings. Moreover, the program encourages the upgrade of milking equipment, helping to improve milk quality and energy usage, alongside the replacement of piglet warmers with models designed for better energy savings. The Innovative Greenhouses module stands out, offering measures that consider the specific energy requirements necessary for greenhouse operations. This includes integrating aerothermal and geothermal heat pumps, essential for controlling temperatures without excessive energy consumption. Additionally, the program advocates for the use of accumulation reservoirs, which store energy efficiently, further aligning greenhouse operations with modern sustainability goals. Beyond product and greenhouse initiatives, the Equipment and Systems module offers over 200 energy efficiency measures tailored to diverse agricultural applications. Some of these include the implementation of efficient air compressors, high-efficiency compressors synchronized with refrigeration systems, and the installation of variable-frequency drives (VFDs), pump motors, and fan motors, all contributing to smoother and more efficient operations. Solar walls for preheating fresh air and ENERGY STAR® certified air conditioners are also part of the offering, ensuring that every aspect of an agricultural energy setup can be optimized for efficiency and effectiveness. Participation in the program involves several straightforward steps. Interested farmers need to purchase and install the eligible energy-efficient products and systems before applying for funding. The program’s tool, Efficient Solutions OSE, helps assess potential funding eligibility and guides through the application process. This financial support catalyzes the initial investment, providing a strong incentive for farmers to embark on their energy efficiency journey. Furthermore, farmers have the option to collaborate with partners such as specialized companies or consulting firms to streamline the application process and provide necessary documents. These partners can also receive incentive compensation, making collaboration a mutually beneficial arrangement. For those seeking additional funding avenues, related options such as the Energy Analysis, which offers up to $50,000 to conduct energy efficiency evaluations, and the Customized Option under the Medium and Large Businesses component, may prove valuable. For farmers in rural areas, funding for accessing a three-phase power system, assisting in the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources, also underscores the program's commitment to comprehensive energy transformation in agriculture. By facilitating access to innovative energy solutions and financial support, the Efficient Solutions Program – Farming Component empowers farmers to make significant strides in energy efficiency, ultimately leading to increased sustainability and profitability in the agricultural sector.