How much funding can be received?

The "Solutions efficaces" grant program for medium and large enterprises offers substantial financial support up to a maximum of $5 million per project, aiming to promote energy efficiency and demand management projects in commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings in Quebec. Eligible activities include modernization, expansion, major renovations, equipment additions, and construction projects that lead to significant annual electricity savings.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant offers financial support to medium and large businesses for energy-efficient equipment installation, with a focus on cost coverage and project compliance. The program incorporates structured financing modalities to ensure alignment with energy performance goals.

Funding coverage of up to 75% of eligible costs, applicable to business rates G9, M, L, or LG.
Maximum financial assistance available is up to $5 million per project under the Customized Option.
Payments disbursed post-project completion and compliance confirmation by Hydro-Québec.
Financial support calibrated using the OSE calculation tool to estimate eligible measures.

grant_single_labels|projects

The Efficient Solutions Program facilitates the implementation of energy-efficient measures in medium and large businesses through substantial financial support. Eligible project activities focus on the installation and enhancement of equipment to boost energy performance in various types of buildings.

Purchase and installation of efficient heat pumps meeting heating and cooling needs.
Implementation of automation equipment for demand response management.
Customized energy-efficient projects not covered by predefined options, tailored to specific business needs.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 1,000,000

Modernization of a manufacturing plant with energy-efficient equipment in Montreal.

$ 750,000

Renovation of a hospital to integrate energy-efficient systems in Sherbrooke.

$ 900,000

Expansion of a logistics center focusing on sustainable energy use in Quebec City.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant is determined by specific requirements related to the buildings and projects involved.

The proposed project must be located in Quebec.
The facilities must have an electrical service contract under Hydro-Québec's business rates (such as G, M, LG, or L rates).
The projects must fall within commercial, institutional, or industrial markets.
Buildings must be connected to Hydro-Québec's network, an eligible autonomous network, or an eligible municipal or cooperative network.
Residential buildings with at least 20 units can be eligible under certain conditions.
The date of project commencement must not be earlier than June 9, 2020.
For demand management measures, participation in a tariff option or demand management rate is required for five years following the financial support disbursement.
Projects subject to a special contract with specific long-term tariff conditions may be eligible.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Effective Solutions Program – Component Medium and Large Enterprises is primarily aimed at encouraging medium and large businesses, as well as public organizations, to optimize energy consumption in their commercial, institutional buildings, and industrial plants in Quebec.1. Medium and large enterprises: Businesses undertaking projects targeting buildings or plants under business rates (e.g., rates G9, M, LG or L) for electricity service and delivery.2. Public organizations: Entities such as government departments, health or social services establishments, municipal organizations, and educational institutions managing projects targeting buildings under business rates (e.g., rate G or any other business rate).3. Buildings must be involved in commercial, institutional, or industrial activities, and be served by Hydro-Québec's networks, autonomous networks, or qualifying municipal or cooperative networks.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant does not specifically outline companies or industries that are ineligible. However, eligibility generally excludes certain entities primarily based on project criteria rather than specific industry restrictions.

No explicit industry restrictions mentioned in the context provided.
Projects needing to comply with existing legal and regulatory standards of Quebec and Canada.
Entities must not commence project work prior to specified dates.
Buildings must not be under residential rates unless specific criteria are met.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

The grant covers specific expenses directly related to the implementation and success of the energy efficiency project.

Costs of purchasing new equipment, including those necessary for measurement, but excluding financing fees.
Installation and commissioning costs of new equipment.
Measurement costs.
Engineering costs related to implementing energy efficiency measures.
Costs for management, storage, transportation, and disposal of hazardous materials resulting from the work.
Fees paid for the development of plans and specifications necessary for the project.
Costs for internal labor employed for project work, including project management, excluding financing and administrative fees.
Any other justified costs approved by Hydro-Québec.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on their alignment with Hydro-Québec's energy efficiency and demand management objectives.

The project must generate significant annual electricity savings of at least 25,000 kWh.
The project must involve the implementation of new, efficient equipment that is certified or approved by recognized independent bodies or Hydro-Québec.
The project should demonstrate a payback period in terms of electricity savings of one year or more, including the financial support provided.
The project must not be a requirement for legal compliance, nor should it have negative impacts on health, safety, or the environment.
The project should not involve electricity production unless specifically approved by Hydro-Québec.

grant_single_labels|register

Here are the steps to submit an application for this grant:

Step 1: Initial Inquiry
Contact Hydro-Québec's client support and partner line at 1-800-463-9900 to validate project eligibility under the Customized Offer.
Ensure that your project is not eligible for the Simplified Offer.
Step 2: Preliminary Analysis
Receive an initial information request from Hydro-Québec if necessary.
Submit the requested information for preliminary project analysis.
Step 3: Project Proposal Submission
Receive and complete the Project Proposal form and any accompanying required documents from Hydro-Québec once preliminary analysis is passed.
Submit the completed Project Proposal along with any required documentation via the instructions provided by Hydro-Québec.
If acting as an Aggregator, submit the Aggregator Participation Notice, properly signed by your clients.
Step 4: Approval and Calculation Proposal
Wait for Hydro-Québec to confirm project proposal acceptance and calculation methodology acceptance via written communication.
You might be invited to measure pre-project energy consumption if required.
If required, submit the Measurement Report from before project implementation.
Step 5: Project Implementation
Proceed with the implementation of the project according to the approved details.
Step 6: Post-Completion Submission
Submit accounting details such as the accounting number related to internal workforce hours.
Provide the complete set of invoices, the detailed cost schedule, and the certified Completion Confirmation to Hydro-Québec.
If required by Hydro-Québec, a measurement report after project completion must also be submitted.
Step 7: Financial Reimbursement Process
Upon receiving Hydro-Québec’s final approval notification, send your original invoice for the approved financial aid to Hydro-Québec.
This should be done 30 days after receiving the billing request from Hydro-Québec, noting that invoices in Word or Excel format must be converted to PDF.
Step 8: Payment Processing
Expect the financial support to be disbursed approximately 45 days after Hydro-Québec has received and verified your original invoice.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The Appui financier is contingent upon Hydro-Québec's approval of the project's adherence to the program requirements after verification.
Participants are recommended to subscribe to Hydro-Québec's Infolettre Affaires for updates and information about the Solutions Efficaces program.
For projects requiring metering, a possible commissioning period may be mandated, with an adjustment of the cost or financial support at the project's completion.
In some cases, Hydro-Québec may request additional documentation justifying the implemented energy efficiency or demand management measures.
Aggregator participation must include a signed notification from clients outlining participation details in the program.
The project may undergo site inspection by Hydro-Québec to ensure compliance with the program's requirements before final approval is given.

grant_single_labels|documents

Efficient Solutions Program — Medium and Large Businesses Component

grant_single_labels|contact

1-800-463-9900

Apply to this program

Unlock Energy Efficiency for Your Business

This grant provides financial assistance to businesses aiming to purchase and install energy-efficient equipment and systems to enhance the energy performance of their commercial, institutional, or industrial buildings. It covers a significant portion of eligible costs, making energy upgrades more accessible and economically viable for diverse businesses.

Detailed Insights into the Energy-Efficient Equipment Grant

The Energy-Efficient Equipment Grant is a strategic initiative aimed at facilitating wide-ranging improvements in the energy performance of business infrastructures across Canada. This program offers tailored financial support to both small-scale and larger enterprises, depending on their specific rate categories, with small businesses eligible for up to 90% of costs and larger enterprises for up to 75%. Meeting the criteria outlined in the applicable program guides ensures that businesses can efficiently navigate the application process and secure the necessary funding to embark on or enhance their energy efficiency projects.

An essential aspect of this grant is its focus on practical energy solutions such as efficient heat pumps and automation equipment for demand response management. These solutions not only address both heating and cooling requirements efficiently but also enhance operational ease and improve brand image. By leveraging the latest technologies, businesses can significantly reduce their energy consumption, maximize demand response (DR) credits, and simplify the management of their operations.

The program's Remodeling through updates, such as the introduction of the OSE 5.0 calculation tool, represents an evolutionary step that underscores the continuous enhancement of economic incentive mechanisms. The tool enables participants to gain deeper insights into potential financial support under evolving conditions and facilitates the submission of project requests post-implementation. This digital advantage positions businesses to achieve timely compliance and secure funding quickly, capitalizing on opportunities created by the latest updates, including increased support for certain energy-efficient measures like heat pumps and heat recovery technologies.

Among the significant enhancements are the doubled financial supports for certain heat pump units and increased eligibility for measures involving heat recovery systems. This makes advanced technologies such as glycol water loop systems, heat pipe exchangers, and cassette exchangers more affordable and accessible. Similarly, upgrading to LED fixtures also attracts substantial financial support, further incentivizing businesses to turn towards energy-efficient lighting solutions.

Moreover, the program introduces progressive measures to automate demand response management, with financial backing extended retroactively to cover installations and system integrations dating back to specific stipulations. This strategic move incorporates vital building automation systems and DR management controls, ensuring businesses efficiently handle peak demand periods and optimize their energy expenditures.

The grant's customized option is designed to cater to innovative and complex energy efficiency projects that are beyond conventional listings in predefined tools. This allowance empowers medium and large businesses to pursue groundbreaking projects with substantial financial backing, accommodating increased caps and compensational savings.

Overall, the Energy-Efficient Equipment Grant not only reduces immediate infrastructure costs but also advances sustainable business practices, positioning Canadian enterprises at the forefront of energy management excellence. By investing in cutting-edge solutions and embracing technological innovations, participants not only realize cost savings but also contribute significantly to Canada’s broader environmental and economic goals. Through this program, businesses are better equipped to drive progress in energy efficiency, reinforce their market position, and contribute to a sustainable future.