How much funding can be received?

Funds up to 75% of admissible expenses, capped at $500000 per project.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

Who are the financial supporters of the Technology and Business Demonstration?

Technology and Business Demonstration is funded by Hydro-Québec, Gouvernement du Québec

What are Technology and Business Demonstration's eligibility criterias?

Must be a legal entity (individual or corporation) operating in Quebec for over 12 months Must operate in the residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional, or industrial markets Must be responsible for implementing the project submitted under the program

Technology and Business Demonstration

Last Update: June 5, 2025

QC, Canada

Financial support to demonstrate electricity saving technology in Quebec

Technology and Business Demonstration at a glance

Eligible Funding

Max. $500,000
Up to 75% of project cost

Timeline

Open Date : November 14, 2019

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Utilities
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services

Grant Providers

Hydro-Québec
Gouvernement du Québec

Status

Open

Overview of the Technology and Business Demonstration program

Get financial assistance of up to $500,000 to cover 75% of the costs of testing the technical and commercial viability of innovative energy-saving or power-demand optimization measures.

Financing terms and conditions

Financial support from Hydro-Québec can cover up to 75% of eligible project costs, with the beneficiary responsible for at least 25%.
The maximum financial contribution is $500,000 per project.
Funds are disbursed in multiple installments based on the completion and approval of project milestones, as defined in the contract.
All funding amounts may be reduced in consideration of support received from other sources, ensuring the total public contribution does not exceed 75% of eligible costs.

Eligible projects & activities

Projects validating the technical or commercial applicability of innovative electric energy-saving solutions or power demand optimization measures in Quebec.
Projects involving the improvement or new application of an existing technology for energy efficiency or electrification in residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional, or industrial sectors.
Projects adopting a commercial strategy that introduces a new, innovative approach to market deployment of proven but underutilized technologies.
Implementation of innovative electromechanical systems or solutions supporting power demand management or electrification needs.
Initiatives aimed at assessing and overcoming barriers to the adoption and deployment of low-adoption technologies in Quebec, by demonstrating their commercial or operational benefits in real operating conditions.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 225,000

Installation of smart grid systems to improve power demand management in a residential neighborhood.

$ 337,500

Development of an innovative HVAC system to optimize energy demand for large commercial buildings.

$ 337,500

Pilot program for electrification of delivery fleets to reduce energy consumption and emissions.

Eligibility criteria of the Technology and Business Demonstration program

The applicant must be an individual or legal entity operating in the residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional, or industrial sectors.
The company must have an establishment in Quebec for more than twelve months.
The applicant must be responsible for executing the proposed project.
The project must be implemented at the site of at least one Hydro-Québec client using the new technology in their operations.
The project must involve proven but little-known technologies whose applicability in Quebec is not yet established, or focus on new applications, innovative commercial approaches, innovative electromechanical systems, demand management measures, or electrification needs.

Who is eligible?

Companies operating in the residential sector
Companies in the agricultural sector
Commercial sector businesses
Institutional sector organizations
Industrial sector companies

Who is not eligible

Companies whose projects have already been submitted or accepted under Hydro-Québec energy efficiency programs.
Businesses proposing projects that are still at the research and development stage.
Companies submitting projects that are solely focused on starting a new business.
Organizations applying for projects that are exclusively aimed at advertising, promotion, or the sale of a product or technology.
Participants or entities listed in the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts under Quebec law.

Eligible expenses

Purchase of equipment, including those required for measurement or additional costs for higher efficiency equipment.
Installation and commissioning of equipment.
Optimization of project-related equipment.
Measurement activities before and after installation of systems or equipment.
Engineering work.
Project participant's labor costs.
Subcontracting or consulting fees (cost of goods/services and identification of suppliers or subcontractors required).
Equipment rental (either lease-to-own or operating lease, covering only actual rental costs during the project).
Project management and costs incurred for reporting to Hydro-Québec.
Advertising, promotion, sales, representation, or commercialisation expenses required for the commercial demonstration aspect of the project.
Preparation of technical user guides (manuals) by the participant.
Non-refundable portion of federal and provincial sales taxes (GST and QST).

Eligible geographic areas

Companies with an establishment in Quebec for more than twelve months.

Eligibility criteria of the Technology and Business Demonstration program

Energy impact, including real efficiency gains, peak demand management, and equipment electrification.
Commercial potential in Quebec, including deployment timeframe and profitability for the target clientele.
Innovation and originality of the technology or commercial approach in Quebec.
Qualifications and contributions of the applicant, project team, and business partners.
Quality and relevance of the application and supporting documentation.

How to apply to the Technology and Business Demonstration program

Transmission of the draft proposal

Fill out the "Preliminary Project Proposal" form available online.
Send the form by email to demonstration@hydro.qc.ca.

Analysis of the preliminary project proposal by Hydro-Québec

Receipt of the form by Hydro-Québec.
Validation of the information by a Hydro-Québec representative.
Possible communication to obtain or validate additional information.
Confirmation of the next step in the analysis within ten business days.
Presentation of a "Supporting Document" for the project execution if requested.

Evaluation of the proposal and decision of Hydro-Québec

Analysis of the proposal according to the evaluation criteria.
Confirmation by letter of the project's eligibility within 30 business days.
Indication of the potential amount of Financial Support and the project number, if applicable.

Signature of the Contract and start of the Project

Signing of a contract between the Participant and Hydro-Québec if the project is approved.

Implementation of the Project Stages

Provision of progress reports as stipulated in the Contract by the Participant to Hydro-Québec.
Validate the completion of certain steps before the disbursements of the Financial Support.
Analysis of documents by Hydro-Québec for validation of technical results.
On-site verification of the Project's compliance by Hydro-Québec.

Billing of Financial Support

Hydro-Québec sends the Participant a billing request for the Financial Support.
The Participant issues an invoice to Hydro-Québec that includes the necessary information.

Disbursement of Financial Support

Hydro-Québec verifies the payment of invoices by the Participant.
Hydro-Québec deducts any amount owed by the Participant from the Financial Support.
Financial Support paid by Hydro-Québec after verification.

Additional information

Hydro-Québec reserves the right to terminate or modify the program at any time, within contractual limits.
Participants must protect their intellectual property before sharing project details with Hydro-Québec.
Hydro-Québec may disclose a summary description of the project and its results publicly.
Payments are typically subject to GST and QST, except in specific cases stated by tax authorities.