Small- and Medium-Power Dual-Energy Rate for Space Heating
The Small- and Medium-Power Dual-Energy Rate for Space Heating is designed for commercial and institutional customers with a heating system that uses two sources of energy:
- Electricity as the main source
- A fuel (natural gas, propane, fuel oil or wood pellets) as the auxiliary source in very cold weather
This rate is not offered to independent producers.
Different meters for different uses
The Small- and Medium-Power Dual-Energy Rate only applies to the 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), determined according to the customer’s consumption profile, applies to all other uses, such as lighting and water heating, and the associated consumption is measured by the standard meter.
Heating season
Beneficial dual-energy rate
Between October 1 and April 30 inclusive, the price of the electricity used for space heating varies depending on the outdoor temperature:
- When the temperature is equal to or above –12ºC or –15ºC, depending on the climate zones determined by Hydro‑Québec, the dual-energy system must operate in electrical mode. The price of electricity used for space heating is lower than the applicable base rate, which can lead to significant savings for you.
- When the temperature drops below –12ºC or –15ºC, the auxiliary fuel must be used for space heating. At those times, the price of electricity is higher than the applicable base rate.
Energy source depending on the outdoor temperature
Energy source depending on the outdoor temperature: Electricity
Energy source depending on the outdoor temperature: Fuel
Who benefits from dual energy?
Dual energy not only benefits the customers who use it, it also benefits all customers, Hydro‑Québec and Québec society as a whole! Here’s how.
| Who? | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Dual-energy customers | Savings thanks to the lower price of electricity used for space heating, except during very cold weather |
| Hydro‑Québec | Better management of electricity demand during cold spells |
| All Hydro‑Québec customers | Lower electricity rates overall due to lower supply costs during winter peaks |
| Québec society | Lower GHG emissions related to heating |
How can I sign up for the Dual-Energy Rate?
Step 1
Begin by asking a master electrician or a heating contractor to check that your dual‑energy system meets the eligibility criteria outlined in Section 1 of Chapter 13 of the Electricity Rates [PDF 1.44 MB].
Step 2
Then have the master electrician or the heating contractor fill out the Certificate of Eligibility – Dual Energy form [PDF 687 kB]. Sign the certificate of eligibility to confirm that you would like to benefit from the Dual-Energy Rate for Space Heating and send it to Hydro‑Québec at the address shown on the form.
You will have to assume the cost of having your dual‑energy system inspected and ensuring that it is compliant with the requirements of the Dual‑Energy Rate.
Any questions? Contact us.
In effect since November 6, 2023
Dual-energy offer for sustainable decarbonization
Does your company or institution currently have one or more heating systems that run on natural gas? Are you thinking about decarbonizing?
A new offer is now available for Énergir’s commercial and institutional customers. It is designed for them to convert their heating systems to a dual-energy set-up that uses electricity as the main energy source and natural gas as an auxiliary source.
The dual-energy offer includes financial assistance and support.
Want to know more? Check out our website on dual energy.
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].
