Three Phase Network Access Program

• Completed financial assistance application form
• Signed and dated PDF copy of the application form
• Proxy, if the signatory is not listed in the Quebec enterprise register
• Email from the electricity distributor with the cost estimate and file number
• Electrician quote and any other quotes related to three-phase access work

Who is eligible?

• Agricultural businesses
• Agri-food businesses
• Food processing businesses in the primary or secondary sector

Who is not eligible

• Businesses outside the agricultural or agri-food sectors
• Quebec government ministries and budget-funded bodies
• Federal ministries or organizations
• Businesses under bankruptcy or insolvency protection
• Businesses listed on the Register of enterprises ineligible for public contracts

Eligible expenses

• Electrical equipment required for the three-phase network extension or connection, such as the service box, distribution boxes, cut-out switch, metering cabinet, and breakers in the distribution panel
• Support poles for overhead wires and excavation work for buried wiring
• Engineering work, external professional fees, and eligible internal labour costs
• A building or shelter housing the electrical installations, when reasonable for the project
• The applicant’s required contribution paid to the electricity distributor

Ineligible Costs and Activities

• Expenses incurred more than 30 days before the application filing date or after the end of the funding agreement
• Components not required for three-phase supply, such as a switch, automatic transfer system, control panel, or equipment connected to the network like motors, irrigation pumps, or evaporators
• General or periodic repair and maintenance costs, and capital spending to replace equipment during the project
• Land, buildings, easements, rights of way not required by the distributor, or rental costs for land or buildings
• Loan repayment, legal fees, communication activities, refundable taxes, and any unreasonable expense

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec

• Compliance of the applicant and project with program eligibility requirements.
• Alignment of the project with the program’s objectives.
• Technical and financial feasibility of the project.
• Admissibility and reasonableness of the planned expenses.

• Step 1: Verify project category with electricity distributor
  • Contact the local electricity distributor or Hydro-Québec to request a cost estimate.
  • Obtain the distributor’s file number and confirmation of whether the project is an extension or a connection.
  • Do not sign any agreement or incur expenses at this stage.
• Step 2: Obtain quotes
  • Gather detailed quotes for the planned work, including from the master electrician.
  • Collect any other relevant quotes related to access to the three-phase network.
• Step 3: Prepare and send the application
  • Complete the official Excel application form.
  • Prepare the signed and dated PDF version of the application.
  • Attach the distributor’s email with the cost estimate and file number, the electrician’s quote, and other relevant quotes.
  • Email the complete application package to the ministry.
• Step 4: Respond during review
  • Answer any requests for clarification from the program officer.
  • Wait for the ministry’s eligibility review and decision.
• Step 5: Sign the funding agreement
  • If approved, review the notice of maximum assistance.
  • Sign and return the funding agreement.
• Step 6: Submit documents for payments
  • For the first payment, provide the signed evaluation or major works agreement with the electricity distributor.
  • For the final payment, submit the completed project report, updated application form, invoices, photos, and other required proof of project completion.

• The ministry reviews complete applications to confirm applicant and project eligibility.
• A program officer may request clarifications and assess the admissibility of planned expenses.
• The applicant is notified by email if the application is refused or found ineligible.
• If approved, the ministry sends a written notice of the maximum financial assistance and a funding agreement for signature.
• After project completion, the final amount is validated against actual eligible costs and may be reduced, with repayment required if needed.

• The program is scheduled to run until March 31, 2027, or until the allocated budget is fully committed.
• The latest Excel application form from the program website must be used.
• The program may be combined with other public funding, subject to the program’s aid stacking rules.
• The program is administered by the Quebec Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with electricity distributors.