Rates and Bills
- Domestic rates
Residential and Agricultural - General rates
Business - Public lighting
[In French only] - Electricity
concepts
| Base rates |
Rate D Rate DM |
|---|---|
| Other rates and options |
Rate DT Net metering option (Self-generation) "Time It Right" rate project |
A carefully designed rate structure
With a view to sustainable development, Hydro-Québec is constantly seeking ways to optimize the operation of its power system and make the best possible use of the electricity it generates. We use a variety of means, including our rate structure, to encourage the wise use of electricity.
Why different rates?
Hydro-Québec uses different rates to ensure customer electricity consumption billing is fair. This means that customers with comparable electricity consumption profiles and costs of providing service are billed based on similar rates.
The company has 2.8 million customers responsible for 4.01 million residential, commercial, institutional and industrial service contracts. A base rate is applied to the electricity consumption of each customer. Some rates are designed for domestic electrical use and are available only to residential and agricultural customers. The other rates are suited for general use by business customers and are broken down by the customer's power demand.
Rate Options
Some customers have consumption profiles that do not correspond to any base rate. Rate options tailored to specific situations and their respective costs are therefore available to customers who have requirements not covered by the base rates.
You can also consult the Distribution Tariff to find out more about Hydro-Québec’s rates and rate options.
Rate DT – Domestic dual-energy rate (residential)
Control equipment
connection diagram [PDF]
Certificate of eligibility [PDF]
Dual energy refers to the alternating use of two energy sources for heating a home.
Thinking about upgrading your heating system and opting for electricity as an alternate source of energy?
Good idea!
Hydro-Québec would like to remind you that the rate applicable to homes with dual-energy systems (Rate DT) is very worthwhile when it comes to heating.
The rate has become so popular that the high volume of applications has resulted, unfortunately, in unavoidable delays. Please rest assured that we are doing everything within our power to process your application as quickly as possible.
Hydro-Québec's dual-energy concept involves using electricity as the principal energy source and a fossil fuel (oil, natural gas) as an auxiliary source. It is particularly suited to the conditions described below.
Electricity is used for most of the heating season (i.e. outside temperatures above or equal to -12°C or -15°C, depending on the region) and the auxiliary source takes over when temperatures are very cold (below-12°C or -15°C). The switch from electricity to the auxiliary source is done automatically by an automatic switching device within the heating system that obeys signals received from a temperature sensor placed outside the home. (Note that the switch-over temperature is generally higher when the electrical component of the system consists of a heat pump).
The main dual-energy combinations are:
- a heat pump with a fuel furnace
- an integrated dual-energy furnace (an electrical and a fuel component).
Residential dual-energy rate structure
| Fixed charge per day | 40.64¢ |
|---|---|
| Energy charge | |
| - Energy consumed when the temperature is equal to or higher than -12°C or -15°C, depending on the climatic zones defined by Hydro-Québec | 4.30¢ |
| - Energy consumed when the temperature is below -12°C or -15°C, as the case may be | 18.32¢ |
| Consumption exceeding 50 kW (or 4 kW times the multiplier) | |
| - Winter period (December 1 to March 31) | $6.21/kW |
| New measure - Summer period (April 1 to November 30) |
$1.26/kW |
Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
- Dual energy offers a more advantageous differential rate
-
With dual energy, customers can better control their energy consumption because:
- Fuel is used at temperatures when it is most effective
- Customers who choose a dual-energy system conforming to Hydro-Québec standards can take advantage of the DT rate, which enables appreciable savings on their overall energy bill. This rate is based on a differential temperature-based structure.
Little electricity is used during the few weeks of intense cold each year, when the home is heated by fossil fuel. A signal light indicates high-rate periods, so customers can choose to delay using certain electrical appliances and thereby achieve additional savings.
To qualify for the DT rate, the home must have a dual-counter meter installed by Hydro-Québec.
- Subscribing to Rate DT
-
Customers wishing to subscribe to Rate DT should contact the Hydro-Québec office in their sector (the telephone number is on the electricity bill).
Customers must have a heating contractor of their choice fill out a form attesting that the dual-energy system complies with Hydro-Québec's tariff by-laws (particularly the sections concerning dual energy and the DT rate) Customers should also sign the form to confirm that they wish to subscribe to the DT rate. The high-rate signal light is supplied free of charge by Hydro-Québec. However, customers have to cover the costs of testing their system, installing the signal light and modifying the system to meet standards, where required. Customers and contractors requiring more information on this matter can contact the Hydro-Québec office in their sector.
- Dual energy for wise management of our energy resources
-
Dual energy optimizes the management of Québec's hydroelectric network by reducing the level of demand during peak periods, usually during periods of intense cold.
Rate DT applies to customers who are eligible for Rate D or Rate DM and use a dual-energy system, primarily for living purposes. A dual-energy system heats space, or space and water, with electricity as the main energy source and fuel as an auxiliary source.
Understanding rates
Rates have three main components that represent the cost categories of electrical service. In this way, rates reflect the cost of meeting customer electricity demand.
- Fixed charge
-
The fixed charge is unaffected by electricity consumption. It is set in relation to the fixed costs of providing electrical service, such as: Installing and reading the meter, metering, billing, collections and certain distribution system costs.
The fixed charge is also determined by the number of contracts at each rate.
- Energy
-
As the amount of energy consumed varies, the cost of energy varies as well.
- Demand
-
Basing billing solely on kilowatthours used would not be fair, since it would not account for the differences in cost, which can vary by the amount and duration of power demand.
Hydro-Québec equipment must be able to meet each customer's yearly maximum power demand. Even if power demand is variable and consumption is sometimes minimal, Hydro-Québec must always cover the costs related to the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment it uses to supply its customers' installations.
- Calculation of billing demand
-
The demand charge is applied to the greater of the two following billing demand values:
- The maximum power demand, which corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
- Real power
- 90 % of apparent power
- The minimum billing demand
or
For rate DT, the minimum billing demand is set at 65% of the
maximum power demand during a consumption period that falls wholly in the winter period included in the 12 consecutive monthly periods ending with the consumption period in question. - The maximum power demand, which corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
Additional factors affecting electricity rates
- Credit for medium or high voltage supply
-
Hydro-Québec grants a supply credit of 0.226¢/kWh* to domestic rate customers (residential and agricultural) to whom it supplies electricity at a voltage equal to or greater than 5 kV.
Rates D, DT and DM, like Hydro-Québec's other rates, assume that electricity will be supplied at low voltage. Customers who have equipment to step down the voltage of the electricity they are supplied or wish to use medium- or high-voltage electricity represent reduced costs for Hydro-Québec. In return, they are granted a monthly credit.*Rate effective April 1, 2011
Rate D – Domestic rate (residential and farms)
Application
Rate D generally applies to residential subscribers, in other words for household use. The electricity that is supplied is metered separately.
Profile
Over 3,300,000 of Hydro-Québec's electrical service contracts are for residential or farm use, or 87% of its total number of contracts.
Rate D Structure
| Fixed charge per day | 40.64¢ |
|---|---|
| Energy costs | |
| - First 30 kWh per day | 5.39¢/kWh |
| - Remaining energy consumption | 7.51¢/kWh |
| Price of power above 50 kW | |
| - In winter | $6.21/kW |
| New measure - In summer |
$1.26/kW |
Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
billing demand
Contracts under which billing demand is generally equal to or higher than 50 kW.
Understanding rates
Rates have three main components that represent the cost categories of electrical service. In this way, rates reflect the cost of meeting customer electricity demand.
- Fixed charge
-
The fixed charge is unaffected by electricity consumption. It is set in relation to the fixed costs of providing electrical service, such as: Installing and reading the meter, metering, billing, collections and certain distribution system costs.
The fixed charge is also determined by the number of contracts at each rate.
- Energy
-
As the amount of energy consumed varies, the cost of energy varies as well.
- Demand
-
Basing billing solely on kilowatthours used would not be fair, since it would not account for the differences in cost, which can vary by the amount and duration of power demand.
Hydro-Québec equipment must be able to meet each customer's yearly maximum power demand. Even if power demand is variable and consumption is sometimes minimal, Hydro-Québec must always cover the costs related to the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment it uses to supply its customers' installations.
- Calculating billing demand
-
The demand charge is applied to the greater of the two following billing demand values:
- The maximum power demand corresponding to the greater of the two following values:
- Real power
- 90% of apparent power
- The minimum billing demand
or
For rate D, the minimum billing demand is set at 65% of the
maximum power demand during a consumption period that falls wholly in the winter period included in the 12 consecutive monthly periods ending with the consumption period in question. - The maximum power demand corresponding to the greater of the two following values:
Additional factors affecting electricity rates
- Credit for medium or high voltage supply
-
Hydro-Québec grants a supply credit of 0.226¢/kWh* to domestic rate customers (residential and agricultural) to whom it supplies electricity at a voltage equal to or greater than 5 kV.
Rates D, DT and DM, like Hydro-Québec's other rates, assume that electricity will be supplied at low voltage. Customers who have equipment to step down the voltage of the electricity they are supplied or wish to use medium- or high-voltage electricity represent reduced costs for Hydro-Québec. In return, they are granted a monthly credit.
*Rate in effect on April 1, 2011
Rate DM – Domestic rate for multiple-unit buildings (residential)
Rate DM applies to a contract for electricity delivered to an apartment building or community residence with dwellings, for which bulk metering has been chosen.
Profile
Hydro-Québec has over 21,000 Rate DM electrical service contracts.
See Frequently asked questions
Structure of Rate DM
| Fixed charge per day (times the multiplier) | 40.64¢ |
|---|---|
| Energy charge | |
| - First 30 kWh per day, times the multiplier | 5.39¢/kWh |
| - Remaining energy consumption | 7.51¢/kWh |
| Consumption exceeding 50 kW (or 4 kW times the multiplier) | |
| - Winter period (December 1 to March 31) | $6.21/kW |
| New measure - Summer period (April 1 to November 30) |
$1.26/kW |
Rates effective April 1, 2011. Under no circumstances may this table be used to replace the Distribution Tariff.
billing demand
Contracts under which billing demand is generally equal to or higher than 50 kW
Understanding rates
Rates have three main components that represent the cost categories of electrical service. In this way, rates reflect the cost of meeting customer electricity demand.
- Fixed charge
-
The fixed charge is unaffected by electricity consumption. It is set in relation to the fixed costs of providing electrical service, such as: Installing and reading the meter, metering, billing, collections and certain distribution system costs.
The fixed charge is also determined by the number of contracts at each rate.
- Energy
-
As the amount of energy consumed varies, the cost of energy varies as well.
- Demand
-
Basing billing solely on kilowatthours used would not be fair, since it would not account for the differences in cost, which can vary by the amount and duration of power demand.
Hydro-Québec equipment must be able to meet each customer's yearly maximum power demand. Even if power demand is variable and consumption is sometimes minimal, Hydro-Québec must always cover the costs related to the proper operation and maintenance of the equipment it uses to supply its customers' installations.
- Calculation of billing demand
-
The demand charge is applied to the greater of the two following billing demand values:
- The maximum power demand corresponding to the greater of the two following values:
- Real power
- 90% of apparent power
- The minimum billing demand
or
For rate DM, the minimum billing demand is set at 65% of the
maximum power demand during a consumption period that falls wholly in the winter period included in the 12 consecutive monthly periods ending with the consumption period in question. - The maximum power demand corresponding to the greater of the two following values:
Additional factors affecting electricity rates
- Credit for medium or high voltage supply
-
Hydro-Québec grants a supply credit of 0.226¢/kWh* to domestic rate customers (residential and agricultural) to whom it supplies electricity at a voltage equal to or greater than 5 kV.
Rates D, DT and DM, like Hydro-Québec's other rates, assume that electricity will be supplied at low voltage. Customers who have equipment to step down the voltage of the electricity they are supplied or wish to use medium- or high-voltage electricity represent reduced costs for Hydro-Québec. In return, they are granted a monthly credit.*Rate effective April 1, 2011
Net metering option (Self-generation)
The net metering option allows you to inject the surplus of the power you produce onto the Hydro-Québec grid.
In exchange, you will receive kilowatt hour credits that will be applied to your bill.
If the power you generate is not enough to meet your needs, you can draw power from the Hydro-Québec grid and enjoy reliable, high-quality service.
Periodically, you will receive your bill along with a consumption statement in kWh detailing how much electricity was supplied by Hydro-Québec and how much you injected onto the grid.
| For example | |
|---|---|
| Billing period 1 | |
| Kilowatt hours supplied by Hydro-Québec | 1,300 kWh |
| Kilowatt hours injected onto the Hydro-Québec system | - 300 kWh |
| Kilowatt hours billed | 1,000 kWh |
| Billing period 2 | |
| Kilowatt hours supplied by Hydro-Québec | 800 kWh |
| Kilowatt hours injected onto the Hydro-Québec system | - 1,000 kWh |
| Kilowatt hours billed | 0 kWh |
| Kilowatt hours credited and applied to the balance of a future bill* | - 200 kWh |
*Accumulated credits must be used within a period of 24 months starting from the date of you signed up for the net metering option, otherwise they will be reversed.. Your bank of credits will be returned to zero every 24 months from that date. The net metering option does not allow a self-generator to systematically generate power surpluses.
To learn more about the net metering option, consult the current Hydro-Québec Distribution Tariff.
To learn more about self-generation, click here.
Time it Right rate project
The Time it Right rate project took place between December 1, 2008 and March 31, 2010.
More than 2,000 customers participated in this important project and Hydro-Québec would like to express its sincere appreciation for their commitment.
Reminder to participants
- Effective April 1st, 2010, the electricity consumption of the participants who tested the new rate structure will be billed at Rate D, as was the case before the project.
- The smart meters that were installed in the residences of all participants at the beginning of the pilot project will remain in place and continue to be read remotely.
What was the goal of this project?
Initiated at the request of the Régie de l’énergie, the project’s goal was to study the impact of a rate structure that varies according to time of day and season on the electricity consumption habits of Québec households.
With this type of rate structure, also known as time-of-use rate, electricity is more expensive during peak consumption periods—weekdays—and less expensive during off-peak periods—nights and weekends.
The project aimed to determine whether this type of rate structure would encourage customers to shift their electricity consumption to less expensive periods.
View the documents submitted to the Régie de l’énergie
- Application R-3644-2007 - Proposal regarding time-season ratemaking
- Demande R-3708-2009 - Suivi du projet tarifaire Heure juste [In French]
- R-3740-2010 - Rapport final [In French]
View the Régie's decision
Décision D-2011-028 [In French]
This is the minimum amount of power the customer must pay for. The threshold is set so that the customer pays its share of the costs incurred by the Distributor to meet its maximum power needs during peak periods. The minimum billing demand is determined by the conditions of each rate, as indicated in the Distribution Tariff.
Expressed in kilowatthours (kWh), energy is the power used by electrical installations over a given period of time. It is calculated as the power multiplied by the time during which it is used.
Energy (kWh) = power (W) x time used (h)
1,000
Expressed in kilowatts (kW), power demand is the total amount of electricity required by equipment at a given time. In more technical terms, it is the combined effect of voltage and current.
Demand (kW) = voltage (V) x current (A)
1,000
Real power is the component of apparent power that operates equipment that produces heat (lighting equipment, radiators, etc.) and is expressed in kilowatts (kW).
Apparent power is the power supplied by Hydro-Québec. When it is used, it is broken down into real power (kW), which runs equipment, and reactive power (kVAR), which results in the creation of magnetic fields.
Maximum power demand corresponds to the greater of the two following values:
- Real power
- 90% of apparent power
The winter period runs from December 1 through March 31 of the next year, inclusively.
Voltage is the difference in electrical potential between two points.
It is expressed in volts (V) and is a function of power expressed in watts (W).
Voltage (V) = power (W)
current (A)
The power factor is the ratio between real power and apparent power.
PF = Real Power
Apparent Power x 100
The summer period runs from April 1 through November 30, inclusively.
Method of measuring consumed energy with a single meter instead of separate meters for an entire multi-unit commercial or residential building. The building owner is responsible for dividing the costs between the occupants.
Method of measuring consumed energy using a separate meter for each residential or commercial unit in a building.
The critical peak is when demand spikes.
The frequency of such peaks is limited, and Hydro-Québec will notify you a day in advance by phone or e-mail so that you can organize your activities accordingly.
