Efficient Solutions Program - Medium and Large Businesses Component
QC, Canada
Maximize your energy efficiency and reduce costs with Hydro-Québec's financial support through the Effective Solutions program
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Grant and Funding
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- Gouvernement du Québec
- Hydro-Québec
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The "Efficient Solutions" – Medium and Large Business component, offered by Hydro-Québec, is designed to actively support Quebec's energy transition by providing substantial financial support for energy efficiency and demand management projects.
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This grant is available to companies with buildings located within the province of Quebec, Canada. It is targeted mainly at different market sectors including commercial, institutional, and industrial.
- Buildings situated in the province of Quebec.
- Projects related to Hydro-Québec's autonomous networks.
- Buildings supplied by Hydro-Québec or authorized municipal or cooperative electricity networks.
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$1,000,000
Montreal
Modernization of a manufacturing plant with energy-efficient equipment in Montreal.
$750,000
Sherbrooke
Renovation of a hospital to integrate energy-efficient systems in Sherbrooke.
$900,000
Quebec City
Expansion of a logistics center focusing on sustainable energy use in Quebec City.
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To be eligible for this grant under the "Solutions efficaces – Volet Moyennes et grandes entreprises", applicants must meet specific criteria regarding their buildings and activities.
- The building must be located in Quebec.
- The building must be associated with a business-rate electricity subscription, specifically those under the rates G9, M, LG, or L.
- The building must be involved in activities related to the commercial, institutional, or industrial markets.
- The building must be powered by the Hydro‑Québec grid, an eligible standalone network, or a qualified municipal or cooperative network.
- Special conditions apply to agricultural market participants, who must apply through the Agricultural stream unless they meet approval for the "Offre sur mesure" under certain conditions.
- The company's project must not have started (i.e., work commencement date) before June 9, 2020, and must start after acknowledgment by October 7, 2024, for any new rules to apply.
- If participating in demand management measures, the applicant must commit to a demand management tariff or option for five years following the financial support grant.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Solutions efficaces program by Hydro-Québec supports energy efficiency and demand management projects within medium and large enterprises. It aims to optimize electricity consumption in commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings and plants in Quebec.
- Medium and large enterprises with projects focusing on buildings or plants under business rates (e.g., G9, M, LG, or L) for electricity service and delivery.
- Public organizations undertaking projects for buildings subject to business rates, including rate G.
- Projects related to improving energy efficiency that target renovations, expansions, major renovations, equipment additions, or new constructions.
- Eligible projects must be realized in buildings utilized for commercial, institutional, or industrial activities.
- Participants could also be public organizations, provided their projects adhere to the designated business electricity rates.
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The grant aims to support energy efficiency projects but excludes specific industries and companies based on their non-compliance with essential criteria or unique market characteristics. These exclusions ensure the program remains focused on its sustainability goals.
- Buildings subjected to residential tariffs D, except for certain large residential buildings.
- Projects that have a negative impact on health, safety, or the environment.
- Projects mandatory for compliance with Quebec or Canadian laws or standards.
- Projects involving standard technologies for new buildings or adding loads.
- Buildings within agricultural markets unless the products and systems are not eligible under the specific Agricultural stream.
- Projects in off-grid networks involving the conversion of fossil fuel equipment to efficient electrical systems.
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This program focuses on providing financial support for energy efficiency projects within commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors. Eligible projects aim to modernize infrastructure and incorporate efficient energy management solutions.
- Modernization of existing business premises to enhance energy efficiency.
- Expansion projects that incorporate energy-efficient designs and technologies.
- Major renovations that include installing energy-efficient systems and equipment.
- Addition of new equipment intended to improve energy usage efficacy.
- Construction of new buildings featuring energy-efficient infrastructure.
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The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the project.
- Costs of purchasing new equipment, including measurement equipment, excluding financing costs.
- Costs of installing and commissioning new equipment.
- Measurement costs for electricity consumption and productivity.
- Engineering costs necessary for implementing energy efficiency measures.
- Fees for managing, storing, transporting, and disposing of hazardous materials resulting from the works.
- Fees paid for developing the plans and specifications necessary for the project.
- Costs (number of hours and hourly rate) of internal workforce dedicated to project execution, excluding financing and administrative fees.
- Any other justified costs approved by Hydro-Québec.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for projects under the Solutions efficaces program - Medium and Large Enterprises stream are based on their compliance with energy efficiency and demand management objectives.
- Demonstrated energy consumption savings of at least 25,000 kWh annually for tailored projects.
- Use of new, efficient equipment that has been certified or approved by recognized independent bodies or Hydro-Québec.
- Feasibility of achieving a payback period of one year or more on electricity cost savings, including the financial support.
- Alignment with Hydro-Québec’s energy efficiency and demand management goals.
- Potential contribution to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, especially for electrification projects.
- Scope for innovation in improving building energy performance within the commercial, institutional, or industrial markets.
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- Step 1: Prepare the Project Proposal
- Download the appropriate version of the OSE tool based on the date of beginning of the project work.
- Review the Guide to Participation and Conditions and Commitments documents available on Hydro-Québec's website.
- Ensure that the projects meet the eligibility criteria for the Solutions Efficaces program – Volet Moyennes et Grandes Entreprises.
- Ensure that the project aims to implement energy efficiency measures or power demand management measures that result in at least $2,500 in financial support within the Simplified Offer or meets the specific requirements of a Customized Offer.
- Step 2: Submit Proposal
- Complete the OSE forms according to the specified steps.
- Submit the filled OSE files, including the Confirmation of Project Realization, via email to bureau.eeaffaires@hydroquebec.com. Include a copy of all invoices for the purchase, installation, or programming of each implemented energy efficiency or power demand management measure.
- If applicable, submit the Notification of Participation - Aggregator, and a utility bill if the project targets an existing building connected to a municipal or cooperative network.
- Step 3: Verification and Approval
- Hydro-Québec may request additional documents to justify the implementation of the measures.
- Hydro-Québec may conduct site visits to verify project compliance and confirm adherence to program requirements.
- Hydro-Québec will approve the project or adjust the financial support if the work does not comply.
- Hydro-Québec will notify the participant about the financial support amount to be provided, if applicable.
- Step 4: Invoice for Financial Support
- Generate an original invoice using your accounting system, following fiscal considerations.
- Submit the invoice to Hydro-Québec at bureau.eeaffaires@hydroquebec.com within 30 days of receiving the billing request.
- Ensure invoices are converted into PDF format. Late submissions may result in file closure.
- Step 5: Financial Support Payment
- Approximately 45 days after receiving a compliant original invoice, Hydro-Québec will disburse the approved financial support amount, provided all program requirements are met.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant program focuses on supporting energy efficiency and demand management projects for medium and large enterprises in Quebec. Hydro-Québec offers financial support and incentives under this program to encourage energy optimization and sustainable practices.
- The program includes separate offerings for simplified and custom projects.
- Eligible projects must meet specific criteria and adhere to guidelines set by Hydro-Québec.
- The program is available to participants with business tariffs and is applicable to various sectors such as commercial, institutional, and industrial.
- Participants using energy-efficient measures can benefit from cost savings as well as financial support for project implementation.
- Special conditions apply for agricultural buildings, requiring prior approval if not covered by the Agricultural Solutions program.
- Hydro-Québec calculates financial support based on specific metrics like energy savings and project costs.
- The program is part of Hydro-Québec's broader initiative for contributing to Quebec's energy transition.
grant_single_labels|contact
1-800-463-9900
Apply to this program
Hydro-Québec's Efficient Solutions Program for Medium and Large Enterprises
The Efficient Solutions Program by Hydro-Québec is designed to assist medium and large enterprises in optimizing their electricity consumption through financial supports for energy efficiency and demand management projects. The program encourages businesses to engage in modernization, expansion, significant renovations, or new construction projects, offering customized and simplified options to qualify for financial incentives.
Comprehensive Guide to Hydro-Québec's Efficient Solutions Program for Medium and Large Enterprises
Hydro-Québec's Efficient Solutions Program is a cornerstone in the province's strategy to promote energy efficiency and sustainability. It specifically targets medium and large enterprises engaged in commercial, institutional, and industrial markets. The program is designed to support projects that enhance energy efficiency and manage demand power, contributing to Quebec's broader energy transition goals. Understanding the nuances of the program is crucial for businesses looking to capitalize on these incentives to maximize efficiency and reduce operational costs.
Launched as a response to growing energy needs and the commitment to reduce carbon footprints, the Efficient Solutions Program includes financial support for eligible projects aimed at improving building performance and optimizing electricity consumption. The ultimate goal is to encourage prudent consumption of electrical resources at peak times, contributing to a more balanced and sustainable energy landscape.
The program is divided into two primary offerings: the Simplified Offer and the Custom Offer. Each has distinct eligibility criteria and application processes, aligning with the diverse needs of participating enterprises.
The Simplified Offer
The Simplified Offer is designed to provide quick, straightforward financial assistance calculations through Hydro-Québec's OSE tool. This offer is suitable for projects involving pre-defined energy efficiency measures or demand management strategies. The key requirements for eligibility include a minimum financial support threshold of $2,500, involvement of certified new equipment, and conformity with legal and regulatory standards.
Applications under this offer require participants to demonstrate the efficiency of projects in terms of equipment certification and installation. The goal here is to ensure that all investments align with market best practices and contribute meaningfully to energy savings. Projects that compromise health, safety, or violate legal regulations are not eligible, ensuring the initiative strictly promotes sustainable and responsible energy consumption.
The Custom Offer
The Custom Offer caters to businesses with unique or complex energy efficiency objectives not covered under the Simplified Offer. It provides a tailored approach, allowing participants to propose innovative solutions that fit their specific operational needs. To be eligible for this offer, projects must generate annual electricity savings of at least 25,000 kWh and involve the installation of new, certified equipment.
One of the distinctive features of the Custom Offer is its requirement for prior approval of a project proposal, ensuring realistic and effective energy savings projections are made. This necessitates a comprehensive analysis of proposed measures and a demonstration of how they outperform existing standard equipment or processes, thereby ensuring enhanced energy outcomes.
Projects approved under this offer can receive financial support covering up to 75% of total eligible costs for existing buildings. However, for new buildings or production chain additions, the support is capped at 15% of total eligible costs, highlighting a strategic focus on encouraging energy savings in retrofit projects.
Program Benefits and Strategic Importance
By participating in the program, businesses can leverage substantial financial support, sometimes up to $5 million per project, depending on the specifics of the implementation and the electricity savings achieved. This financial safety net not only aids in offsetting initial costs but also accelerates the payback period, enhancing the overall return on investment for participating enterprises.
In summary, the Efficient Solutions Program serves as a pivotal tool for medium and large enterprises aiming to reduce their energy consumption footprint while enhancing operational efficiency. By embedding energy-efficient practices, businesses can effectively control costs and contribute to provincial sustainability goals. This program not only provides immediate financial relief but also fosters long-term energy management strategies that align with global sustainability standards.
Conclusion
Hydro-Québec's commitment through the Efficient Solutions Program reflects its proactive approach to energy management and environmental stewardship. By offering significant financial incentives and supporting cutting-edge energy efficiency projects, the program stands as a testament to the corporation's role in driving sustainable economic growth and environmental conservation in Quebec. Participating businesses stand to benefit from reduced operational costs and improved energy efficiencies, reinforcing their role in the broader transition toward a sustainable energy future.
