How much funding can be received?

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 grant is available to agricultural market buildings located in Quebec. Eligible buildings must be powered by Hydro-Québec, an Autonomous Network, or an eligible Municipal or Cooperative Network.

Buildings must be located in Quebec.
Powered by the Hydro-Québec network.
Powered by an eligible Autonomous Network.
Powered by an eligible Municipal or Cooperative Network.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the applicant and the project location and scope.

The project must be realized in an agricultural building located in Quebec.
The project must include only agricultural buildings whose subscription is subject to rates applicable to the agricultural market, such as tariffs D, DT, DP, Flex D, G, G9, M, L or LG.
The agricultural building must belong to the participant and be operated, occupied, or constructed by them.
The building must be powered by one of the following networks: Hydro-Québec network, an eligible autonomous network, or an eligible municipal or cooperative network.
The project must not include products, equipment, or systems that are mandatory for compliance with Quebec or Canadian laws, regulations, or standards.
The project must not have a negative impact on health, safety, or the environment and must not violate any law or regulation.
The minimum financial aid request must be at least $100.
The project should not be submitted for replacement in the same program or any other Hydro-Québec program within five years of initial purchase if it has already received financial assistance.
For projects involving power demand management measures, participants must participate in a rate or tariff option for power demand management for five years following the financial support payment.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The grant is specifically designed for participants in the Quebec agricultural market looking to implement energy-efficient projects. Businesses eligible to apply include individuals, companies, cooperatives, joint ventures, unincorporated associations, unions, trusts, or any other legal entities owning, operating, occupying, or constructing agricultural market buildings in Quebec.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is specific to the agricultural market and is tailored to energy efficiency projects in Quebec. Consequently, certain companies and industries may not be eligible due to their business focus or service sector.

Companies that do not operate within the agricultural sector.
Businesses not located in Quebec.
Participants who do not own or operate buildings classified under the agricultural market.
Projects associated with mandatory compliance to Quebec or Canadian laws and regulations.
Projects with a negative impact on health, safety, or the environment.
Organizations already receiving financial assistance for the same products, equipment, or systems from other Hydro-Québec programs within five years of purchase.
Participants with measures involving heat pumps already submitted to the ÉcoPerformance program.
Buildings not supplied with electricity by Hydro-Québec or other specified eligible networks.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant under the Efficient Solutions Program – Farming Component supports energy efficiency improvements in the agricultural sector. Eligible projects involve the purchase and installation of energy-efficient products, equipment, and systems to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Installation of efficient LED lighting for general or horticultural use to reduce energy consumption.
Installation of high-efficiency ventilation systems to boost productivity.
Replacement of milking equipment to improve milk quality.
Installation of energy-efficient piglet warmers.
Implementation of aerothermal and geothermal heat pumps for greenhouse efficiency.
Installation of efficient air compressors and refrigeration system components.
Installation of geothermal and aerothermal heat pumps in various agricultural facilities.
Construction of accumulation reservoirs for energy management.
Integration of variable-frequency drives (VFDs) in pump and fan motors for energy efficiency.
Construction of solar walls for preheating fresh air.
Installation of ENERGY STAR® certified air conditioners.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers expenses related to the purchase and installation of energy-efficient products, equipment, and systems for agricultural buildings.

LED lighting for general and horticultural purposes.
High-efficiency ventilation fans.
Energy-efficient milking equipment.
Energy-efficient piglet warmers.
Aerothermal and geothermal heat pumps for innovative greenhouses.
Accumulation reservoirs.
Efficient air compressors and high-efficiency compressors integrated into refrigeration systems.
Variable-frequency drives (VFDs), pump motors, and fan motors.
Solar walls to preheat fresh air.
ENERGY STAR® certified air conditioners.

grant_single_labels|criteria

This document outlines the evaluation and selection criteria specifically for projects applying under the Efficient Solutions Program - Farming Component.

Project Relevance: Aligns with the objectives of energy efficiency and greenhouse operations (Point Weight: 25%).
Innovativeness: Incorporates innovative products or systems, particularly in greenhouse technology (Point Weight: 20%).
Cost Efficiency: Demonstrates cost-effective measures that provide substantial savings on energy consumption (Point Weight: 20%).
Technical Feasibility: Shows technical preparedness and feasibility of the planned installations (Point Weight: 15%).
Environmental Impact: Contributes positively towards reducing greenhouse gases and energy footprint (Point Weight: 10%).
Budget Match: Budget aligns with funding requirements and demonstrates appropriate financial planning (Point Weight: 10%).

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for the Efficient Solutions Program – Farming Component grant:

Step 1: Preparation of Documents and Information
- Ensure you have an electricity bill showing the contract number for the installation location.
- Prepare invoices to prove the purchase and installation of eligible products and systems.
- Have ready your Quebec enterprise number (NEQ), or sales tax numbers (TVQ), or social insurance number.
Step 2: Project Preparation
- Download the applicable version of the OSE tool relevant to the project's start date.
- Use the OSE tool to estimate the potential financial assistance.
- Check the Participant’s Guide and ensure adherence to program rules and eligibility requirements.
Step 3: Project Submission
- Fill out the OSE tool according to project specifications.
- Email the completed OSE files and confirmation of project completion to bureau.eeaffaires@hydroquebec.com.
- Attach copies of all relevant invoices and documentation for verification.
Step 4: Compliance Verification and Approval
- Hydro-Québec may request additional documents or site visits to verify project conformity.
- Approval notification or financial assistance revision will be communicated to the participant.
Step 5: Invoicing of Financial Assistance
- Submit an original invoice from your accounting system to Hydro-Québec's provided email, reflecting the financial assistance and applicable taxes.
- Ensure compliance with all invoicing standards and deadlines set by Hydro-Québec.
Step 6: Disbursement of Financial Assistance
- Once all program criteria are satisfied, Hydro-Québec processes the payment of 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

Boost Your Farm's Efficiency with the Efficient Solutions Program

The Efficient Solutions Program – Farming Component offers invaluable financial support to farmers aiming to enhance their operations with energy-efficient solutions. This initiative covers a wide range of products and systems that are designed to optimize energy use in agricultural settings, thereby reducing costs and environmental impact.

Unpacking the Efficient Solutions Program for the Agricultural Sector

The revamped Efficient Solutions Program caters specifically to farmers by providing targeted assistance for the acquisition and installation of energy-efficient products and systems on farms across Canada. The program encompasses three primary modules: Products, Innovative Greenhouses, and Equipment and Systems, each tailored to meet the diverse needs of agricultural operations.

In the Products module, farmers can access energy-saving tools designed to reduce electricity consumption across various farm activities. These tools include advanced LED lighting solutions suitable for both general and horticultural applications, high-efficiency ventilation systems aimed at boosting productivity, updated milking equipment to improve milk quality, and energy-efficient piglet warmers that represent a cost-effective alternative for livestock care.

For those involved in greenhouse cultivation, the Innovative Greenhouses module offers specialized energy solutions addressing the unique demands of controlled-environment agriculture. This module supports the implementation of cutting-edge aerothermal and geothermal heat pumps and accumulation reservoirs, crucial for maintaining optimal growing conditions while minimizing energy expenditure.

The Equipment and Systems module extends its offerings to include a vast array of over 200 energy efficiency measures. Farmers can take advantage of upgrades such as efficient air compressors and high-efficiency refrigeration systems, VFDs for pump and fan motors, solar walls for preheating fresh air, and ENERGY STAR® certified air conditioners, all contributing to a reduction in energy usage and operational costs.

Participation in the program is streamlined for ease of use, allowing farmers to apply for funding after the installation of eligible products with just a few clicks. To ensure clarity, interested participants are advised to consult the Participant’s Guide, which provides comprehensive insights into eligibility criteria and application processes.

Additionally, the program encourages collaboration with industry partners such as specialized companies, equipment manufacturers, and consulting engineering firms. These partners not only facilitate the procurement and integration of energy-efficient technologies but are also eligible for incentive compensation, fostering a cooperative approach to achieving energy efficiency in agriculture.

Farmers can further capitalize on additional offers such as energy analysis funding of up to $50,000, the Customized Option for non-eligible projects under the standard farming component, and the Demand Response Option, which provides credits for reducing power demand during peak periods.

Furthermore, the Technology and Business Demonstration (TBD) program assists in exploring innovative energy-saving solutions. The Access Program for three-phase power is particularly beneficial for rural agricultural enterprises, providing substantial subsidies for network expansion to replace fossil fuels with renewable energy sources, effectively supporting the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

By participating in the Efficient Solutions Program, farmers not only enhance the sustainability and efficiency of their operations but also contribute significantly to broader environmental and economic goals. The program's flexible funding options, extensive support network, and commitment to sustainable agriculture make it an exemplary model for driving energy efficiency in farming across Canada.