Dual-energy rate structures for space heating

The Small- and Medium-Power Dual-Energy Rate only applies to electricity used for space heating. Given that the associated electricity use is billed differently than the electricity consumed for other uses, a separate meter dedicated to the dual-energy system must be installed. This second meter is a dual-register meter that records electricity consumption at two different prices, depending on the temperature.

The base rate (Rate G, M or G9) applies to all other uses, such as lighting and water heating, and the associated electricity consumption is measured by the standard meter throughout the year.

The Small- and Medium-Power Dual-Energy Rate for Space Heating comprises three different rate structures depending on your consumption profile during the non-heating season:

  • The small-power dual-energy rate structure applies when the maximum power demand is less than 100 kilowatts (kW);
  • The medium-power dual-energy rate structure applies when the maximum power demand is at least 50 kW;
  • The medium-power dual-energy rate structure for contracts with low load factors applies to customers whose maximum power demand is at least 65 kW and who make limited use of the available power.

Energy price during the heating season: October 1 to April 30

For all three rate structures

  • When the temperature is above or equal to
    the switchover temperature (–12ºC or –15ºC)

    /kWh
    Lower price

  • When the temperature is below
    the switchover temperature (–12ºC or –15ºC)

    /kWh
    Disincentive price: Switch to fuel

Energy price during the non-heating season: May 1 to September 30

Small-power dual-energy rate structure

  • Demand charge

    /kW
    above 50 kW

  • Energy price

    /kWh
    for the first 15,090 kWh
    and
    /kWh
    for the remaining consumption

  • System access charge

    NA

Medium-power dual-energy rate structure

  • Demand charge

    /kW

  • Energy price

    /kWh
    for the first 210,000 kWh
    and
    /kWh
    for the remaining consumption

  • System access charge

    NA

Medium-power dual-energy rate structure for contracts with low load factors

  • Demand charge

    /kW

  • Energy price

    /kWh
    for all the energy consumed

  • System access charge

    NA

Rates in effect on April 1, . This table does not replace the Electricity Rates publication in anyway whatsoever.

Switchover temperature: –12ºC or –15ºC?

The switchover temperature is the temperature below which the dual-energy system must operate in fuel mode.

How do I know which switchover temperature applies to me?

The switchover temperature is established by Hydro‑Québec based on predetermined climate zones. It is set at –12ºC, except in the following climate zones, where it is equal to –15ºC:

  • Rouyn-Noranda, Val-d’Or, Nemiscau and the La Grande-2 development;
  • the northern part of the Lanaudière region;
  • the Hautes-Laurentides region;
  • the Haute-Mauricie region;
  • from Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges to the Rivière Saguenay;
  • the Saguenay region;
  • the Côte-Nord region;
  • the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie regions, except the municipalities with direct access to the Fleuve Saint-Laurent or the Baie des Chaleurs, from Saint-Fabien to the Rivière Cascapédia.

FAQ

Is the consumption associated with lighting and water heating billed at the Dual-Energy Rate?

No, the Dual-Energy Rate only applies to space heating. The consumption related to other uses, such as lighting and water heating, will still be billed at the general rate applicable to your contract, namely Rate G, M or G9.

How does Hydro‑Québec distinguish between consumption related to space heating and consumption that corresponds to other uses?

To benefit from the advantages of the Dual-Energy Rate, you must first have a master electrician install a second meter that will measure the consumption related to space heating separately.

More information

To learn more about the Small- and Medium-Power Dual-Energy Rate for Space Heating designed for commercial and institutional customers, consult the Section 1 of Chapter 13 of the Electricity Rates [PDF 1.44 MB].