Program summary

The Empower Program for Building Optimization

• enables eligible customers to obtain financial assistance to implement electricity-saving measures in their buildings and do associated work that will make the buildings more cost effective;
• favors a global approach that consists of implementing a series of electricity conservation measures chosen from a range of technical solutions suited to the particular building and involving all uses of electricity.

• Customers who own or operate commercial, institutional or multiresidential buildings, including those connected to a power redistributor (municipality or other) or an off-grid system.
• Buildings where electricity consumption is billed at Rate L are excluded from the Program.
• Customers who own or operate buildings with a Service-Producing sector NAICS code, except in certain cases. (see Appendix 3 of the Participant’s Guide.

• A duly completed Document d'avant-projet (project outline form) must be sent to Hydro-Québec before the start date via the file transfer module.
• The project must reduce the target building's electricity consumption by at least 10,000 eligible kWh/year.
• The project must be developed by a partnering professional registered with the Program.
• The project must require capital spending and equipment.
• The project must be developed using the tools approved by Hydro-Québec and according to the criteria set out in the guide in effect when the project is submitted via the file transfer module (Module d'envoi).

• The purpose of the Program is to improve the efficiency of a building's thermal envelope as well as its systems for heating, ventilation, humidification, air-conditioning, service water heating, indoor and outdoor lighting, refrigeration and cooking and any related equipment.
• The measures implemented must have a service life of at least five years.
• The installed equipment must surpass a baseline energy efficiency level (code, standard or industry practice).
• The installed equipment must be certified or approved by recognized independent industry authorities.

Compensation will be paid for the participation of the partnering professional who prepares and submits a Program project on your behalf.

This compensation is determined as follows:

• A lump sum of $1,000
• + 10% of the amount of the financial assistance granted by Hydro-Québec
• Maximum: $20,000

The electricity-saving measures must be implemented by December 31, 2015.

You have 24 months from the date Hydro-Québec receives the Document d'avant-projet (before the start date) to do the following:

• Submit a project proposal to Hydro-Québec, in order to obtain confirmation of the amount of financial assistance prior to commencing work on the project

OR

• Carry out the project without first submitting a proposal and send your supporting documents to Hydro-Québec to receive the financial assistance to which you are entitled

A partnering professional prepares your project using tools provided by Hydro-Québec. He or she takes charge of your project and deals with Hydro-Québec at every stage in the process, from submitting the proposal to carrying out the work.

Call your Hydro-Québec representative. He or she will explain the Program’s terms and conditions and how they apply to your building.

You can also refer to the Participant’s Guide [PDF].