Procedure

Here’s how to install a residential geothermal system and get a Hydro-Québec grant.

1 FIND OUT MORE

Visit our Geothermal Systems Web site to see whether this type of system is for you:

Learn about the benefits and constraints of a geothermal system
Read testimonials by customers who have opted for geothermal systems.
Watch videos about geothermal energy.
Read A Buyer’s Guide for Residential Ground Source Heat Pump Systems published by the Canadian GeoExchange Coalition (CGC).

In the final analysis, if you agree with the two following statements, a geothermal system could be the right choice for you.

You need to purchase a heating and cooling system for your new house or replace your old furnace.
You’re looking for an ecofriendly and sustainable system, and you’re prepared to invest in a geothermal system, even if it costs more than a conventional heating system.

2 CHOOSE A CGC-ACCREDITED CONTRACTOR

The design and installation of a geothermal system requires specialized knowledge and expertise in geothermal technology. Familiarity with applicable municipal and provincial regulations is also needed. Be sure to do business with a CGC-accredited contractor, who can guide you through the planning and installation of your system. This is a condition of receiving a Hydro-Québec geothermal energy grant.

Find a CGC-accredited contractor

3 FIRST PRIORITY: HIGH-QUALITY THERMAL ENVELOPE

An energy-efficient thermal envelope will keep heat losses to a minimum. Before having a geothermal system installed, you should see to it that the thermal envelope is of high quality.

4 EXISTING HOUSE: REQUEST A PRE-RETROFIT ENERGY EVALUATION

Have an energy evaluation of your house done under the Bureau de l’efficacité et de l’innovation énergétiques du ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune’s Rénoclimat¹ program before you renovate. It will tell you what you need to do to limit heat losses. The pre-retrofit evaluation is another condition for receiving a Hydro-Québec geothermal energy grant.

5 HAVE GEOTHERMAL SYSTEM INSTALLED

For an average-size house, a geothermal system can cost anywhere from $20,000 to $40,000, as a variety of factors come into play. Find out more about constraints on geothermal systems.

6 EXISTING HOUSE: REQUEST A POST-RETROFIT ENERGY EVALUATION

Once the geothermal system has been installed, have a post-retrofit energy evaluation of your house done. Send the evaluation report to the Bureau de l’efficacité et de l’innovation énergétiques du ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune to obtain a $1,300 grant under the Rénoclimat^® program.

7 REQUEST CGC CERTIFICATION

Ask your contractor to have your geothermal system CGC-certified. The geoexchange system certification application form must be completed by a CGC-accredited contractor, not the homeowner. System certification is a condition of receiving a Hydro-Québec geothermal energy grant.

8 SUBMIT GRANT APPLICATION TO HYDRO-QUÉBEC

Mail the following items to the address below:

Your grant application form
A copy of the CGC certificate
In the case of an existing home, a copy of the first page of the Rénoclimat^® pre-retrofit report, indicating the type of heating system used in your home prior to geothermal system installation.

More details on grants

Mailing address
Hydro-Québec Residential Geothermal Systems Grant Program
2, Complexe Desjardins
Tour Est, 26e étage
Case postale 10000
Succ. Desjardins
Montréal (Québec) H5B 1H7

Important!
Be sure to enclose all of the required supporting documents. Incomplete applications will take longer to process.

¹ Some conditions apply. Rénoclimat^® is a program offered by Québec’s Bureau de l’efficacité et de l’innovation énergétiques du ministère des Ressources naturelles et de la Faune. Fees apply for home energy evaluations under the Rénoclimat program. For a standard-sized single-family dwelling, taking into account the financial assistance granted by the Bureau, the evaluation costs $149.95, plus taxes. Price subject to change. For details, visit www.aee.gouv.qc.ca