How much funding can be received?

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.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant is available to companies located in Quebec. The eligibility is primarily restricted by the geographical presence within the province, ensuring projects beneficial to the region are prioritized.

Companies must have an establishment in Quebec for more than twelve months to be eligible.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$337,500

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

$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.

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant requires that participants meet several specific criteria:

The participant must be a physical or legal person operating in the residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional, or industrial markets.
The participant must have an establishment in Quebec for more than twelve months.
The participant must submit a project under the PROGRAMME and be responsible for its implementation.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

The Program is open to any legal entity, whether an individual or a corporation, operating in the residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional, or industrial markets, which has been established in Quebec for more than twelve months, submits a project as part of the Program, and is responsible for its execution.

Individuals or corporations operating in the residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional, or industrial markets.
Entities with an establishment in Quebec for over twelve months.
Entities responsible for the execution of a project within the Program.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

This grant is designed with specific eligibility criteria, naturally excluding some projects and companies based on predefined parameters. The restrictions focus on ensuring the suitability and feasibility of projects within the defined framework and objectives of Hydro-Québec's program.

Projects that have already been submitted or admitted under Hydro-Québec's energy efficiency programs.
Projects with technologies still in the research and development stage.
Business startup projects.
Projects focused exclusively on advertising, promotion, or sales of a product or technology.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant is designed to support projects that demonstrate the technical and commercial applicability of innovative electrical energy-saving measures or power demand optimization. The eligible projects focus on the application of technologies with the potential for profitability and market interest in Quebec.

Improvement or new application of existing proven technologies that are not well known in Quebec.
Adoption of innovative commercial approaches.
Implementation of innovative electromechanical systems.
Measures for power demand management.
Projects addressing electrification needs.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

The grant covers specific expenses that are directly related to the implementation and execution of the project.

Purchase of equipment, including measurement equipment or the difference in cost for more eco-efficient equipment.
Installation and commissioning of equipment.
Optimization of the targeted equipment.
Measurement before and after installation of systems or equipment.
Engineering work costs.
Participant's labor costs.
Subcontracting or consultant fees, including the nature of goods and services provided and the identity of contractors or subcontractors.
Equipment rental costs, either leasing or rental operation, based on generally accepted accounting principles, representing actual rental fees during the project duration.
Project management and reporting costs to Hydro-Québec.
Advertising, promotion, sales, representation, or marketing costs required for the commercial demonstration project.
Preparation of technical user guides (user manuals) by the participant.
Non-recoverable portion of GST and QST.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the program's objectives.

Impact on energy savings and electricity management.
Commercial potential in Quebec.
Innovation and originality of the project.
Qualifications and contributions of the participant and their team.
Quality of the application and relevance of the documentation provided.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Submit Preliminary Proposal
Complete the "Proposition d’avant-projet" form available on the Hydro-Québec website.
Email the completed form to Hydro-Québec at demonstration@hydro.qc.ca.
Step 2: Proposal Analysis by Hydro-Québec
Hydro-Québec will contact the applicant for validation and may require additional information.
If applicable, Hydro-Québec will request the "Document de soutien pour la réalisation d’un projet" for further evaluation.
Step 3: Evaluation of Proposal
Hydro-Québec evaluates the project based on the established criteria and communicates the decision within 30 working days.
Confirmation of the project's eligibility and potential financial support, if applicable, is provided.
Step 4: Contract Signing and Project Initiation
If approved, both the applicant and Hydro-Québec sign a contract detailing project and financial support terms.
The contract establishes the responsibilities of both parties.
Step 5: Project Implementation
The applicant must complete project phases as outlined and provide periodic progress reports to Hydro-Québec.
Financial support payments are contingent upon the acceptance of these reports.
Step 6: Financial Support Invoicing
Hydro-Québec requests a detailed invoice from the applicant once the progress reports are approved.
The invoice must include specified details such as project title and number, breakdown of support required, and tax information.
Step 7: Financial Support Disbursement
Hydro-Québec verifies the invoice and processes the disbursement within 30 working days.
Any outstanding amounts owed to Hydro-Québec by the participant are deducted before payment.

grant_single_labels|otherInfo

Here are additional relevant details for this grant:

The financial support provided by Hydro-Québec cannot exceed 75% of the total eligible costs when combined with other financial support from different programs or organizations.
All financial aid is contingent on a minimum 25% contribution to the project costs from the participant.
Hydro-Québec may request supporting documents verifying the costs claimed and reserves the right to verify any invoices from suppliers and subcontractors.
The project must be executed over a maximum duration of 36 months.
Hydro-Québec reserves the right to end the program or modify its terms at any time, subject to existing contracts with participants.
The Participant must ensure that Hydro-Québec approves all interim reports before issuing the corresponding invoice.
The grant can be subject to deductions in case the participant owes any payments to Hydro-Québec, including electricity bills.
The participant must handle potential environmental impacts and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations in Québec.
The Participant cannot use Hydro-Québec's name or disclose project data without prior written consent.

grant_single_labels|documents

Technology and Business Demonstration

Apply to this program

Empowering Technological and Commercial Demonstrations in Quebec

The Hydro-Québec Technological and Commercial Demonstration Program offers financial support to projects demonstrating innovative solutions in electrical systems and commercial strategies. This initiative aims to validate and enhance the applicability of new energy efficiency measures and demand optimization technologies specific to Quebec’s market needs.

Detailed Explanation of the Hydro-Québec Grant Program

The Hydro-Québec Technological and Commercial Demonstration Program is a significant opportunity for entities operating within the Quebec market, aiming to bring forth innovative solutions that advance electrical efficiency and demand management. With the focus on practical implementation and validation, this program encourages a diverse range of participants including those from the residential, agricultural, commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors, provided they have been established in Quebec for over one year.

The cornerstone of this program is its support for projects that employ proven, albeit underutilized, technologies to foster new applications or commercial strategies. The eligibility hinges upon the project's potential to prove its technical and commercial validity while overcoming adoption barriers within Quebec’s unique socio-economic landscape. Crucially, the projects must align with Hydro-Québec’s strategic interest areas like improved energy efficiency, innovative commercial approaches, and meeting electrification needs, thereby ensuring these initiatives provide measurable outcomes and long-term benefits.

Hydro-Québec offers up to $500,000 in financial support per project under this program, with participants required to contribute at least 25% of the project’s costs. This structure not only shares financial responsibility but also fosters a collaborative approach to technological advancement. Projects are further evaluated based on stringent criteria such as energy impact, commercial potential within Quebec, and innovation, ensuring that only projects with robust feasibility and impact potential move forward.

Participating entities must demonstrate meticulous financial planning, submitting detailed budgets and adhering to strict documentation requirements. Eligible costs for reimbursement include expenses directly associated with equipment purchase, installation, engineering, labor, and necessary project promotion activities. However, routine operational costs or pre-contract expenses are considered ineligible to maintain the program's focus on direct project innovation expenses.

A structured multi-step process guides applicants from proposal to completion, beginning with the submission of a preliminary project outline, followed by a comprehensive evaluation by Hydro-Québec. If approved, a formal contract outlines the project parameters and financial contributions, ensuring clarity and accountability throughout the project’s lifecycle. Regular progress reporting is mandated to ensure transparency and project efficacy, with staged financial disbursements tied to project milestones.

This rigorous framework assures that project outcomes are efficiently monitored and meet the predefined goals of technical validation and commercial viability. Hydro-Québec maintains rights to audit and verify project progress, ensuring that both public resources and project innovations are optimized.

Overall, the Hydro-Québec Technological and Commercial Demonstration Program represents a significant lever for fostering innovation within the Quebec market, encouraging scalable and sustainable energy solutions that align with regional priorities. By leveraging this program, participants are not just gaining financial support but are also contributing to a more energy-efficient and technologically advanced province, creating a synergy that promotes both environmental and economic sustainability.