Efficient Solutions Program: Frequently Asked Questions

What is energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency encourages a wiser use of Québec’s collective resources. It consists of using less energy to achieve an identical or similar service. In other words, for the same need, we use and waste less energy through measures designed to recover energy losses and by introducing more efficient equipment that uses less energy.

Why should I promote energy efficiency?

Companies that implement energy efficiency measures reduce their electricity bill, which helps to make them more competitive. They position themselves as agents of change for the benefit of society and improve their brand image. By consuming less and more wisely, the companies contribute to a healthy management of hydropower and participate in Québec’s energy transition. The energy savings achieved help postpone electricity generation, transmission and distribution investments. By avoiding significant additional supply and infrastructure costs, we are able to keep our electricity rates among the lowest in North America. Energy savings also promote the electrification of new uses, the decarbonization of companies located in Québec and exports of clean energy to neighboring systems.

Why participate in the Efficient Solutions Program?

With the Efficient Solutions Program, you can receive financial support to conduct an energy analysis of one or more buildings and implement energy efficiency measures that will reduce your electricity bill and improve your competitiveness. The program is tailored to the needs of different types of companies.

I would like to participate in the program. What do I need to do?

First, you need to consult the different program components ( Energy Analysis, Small Businesses, Medium and Large Businesses and Agricultural ) and the Participant’s Guides to understand the requirements and steps to take. You can also rely on an industry professional to support you, or contact us for more information.

When is the OSE tool updated?

The OSE tool is updated when modifications are made to program financial support to align with market needs. Some updates include new measures.

I am an energy efficiency professional. How can I help my customers participate in the program?

We encourage industry professionals (engineering consulting firms, contractors, companies specializing in energy, etc.) to promote the Efficient Solutions Program with their customers in order to find and implement energy efficiency projects. All the information is available on the Partners and aggregators page.

Is it complicated to participate in the program?

It’s easy to participate in the Efficient Solutions Program. For the Small Businesses component and the Simplified Option of the Medium and Large Businesses component, you can use the OSE tool to calculate financial support in just a few clicks. As for the Customized Option, which is designed for medium and large businesses, our team of experts can guide you through the process.

Who is the program intended for?

The Efficient Solutions Program is intended for all businesses that have one or more buildings used for commercial, institutional or industrial activities and that receive their electricity from the Hydro‑Québec grid or from an eligible off-grid, municipal or cooperative system. Please refer to the Participant’s Guides and the Conditions and Undertaking [PDF 98 kB - in French only] for a complete list of the requirements.

Why did Hydro‑Québec make improvements to the Efficient Solutions Program?

We listened to the requests from our business customers who were participating in the Efficient Solutions Program and improved certain aspects of the program to ensure it meets their needs and promotes increased energy savings for all the programs offered. These improvements are designed to encourage more customers to participate, namely small businesses that can make their projects more cost-effective.

How does Hydro‑Québec benefit?

Thanks to improvements in energy efficiency, Hydro‑Québec can delay or even eliminate certain investments in its system, which is designed to respond to winter peaks when the most demand is placed on the system and the equipment. Energy efficiency efforts can also help avoid the construction of more generating facilities in the future and therefore play the role of a “virtual dam.” They can also help maintain low rates. Electricity is a precious resource, and it is in everyone’s best interest to use it wisely and avoid wasting energy.

I didn’t find an answer to my question. How can I receive assistance?

You can contact us.

From what I understand, starting on October 7, 2024, and until the launch of the new version of the OSE tool, I can use OSE 4.1 or OSE 5.0 to submit my project. Is that right?

Yes. To help customers and partners optimize the financial support they could receive, Hydro‑Québec is giving them the option to choose the version of the OSE tool that’s most advantageous for them (version 4.1 or 5.0), depending on the measures they want to implement as part of their projects. The offer applies to projects with a start date between October 7, 2024, and the launch of the new OSE in 2025.

What are the conditions of the offer?

For the same project, participants can opt to use OSE 4.1 for some measures and OSE 5.0 for others. In such cases, each request for financial support must include a separate OSE form and meet all applicable terms and conditions for the OSE tool selected, specifically those related to the project’s eligibility threshold.

A participant who’s submitted a project using OSE 5.0 may ask to withdraw their application and resend it using OSE 4.1, provided the payment has not yet been issued.

What’s new in OSE 5.0?

There are a few key changes in OSE 5.0:

New power demand management measures
Overall increase in financial support for:
- Variable‑speed aerothermal heat pumps with air exchanger
- Geothermal heat pumps
- Heat recovery systems
Overall reduction in financial support for:
- Single‑stage and fixed-speed aerothermal heat pumps with no air exchanger
Revised and standardized financial support for lighting measures:
- Standard LED light fixtures
- Premium LED light fixtures
Simplified light fixture regulation measures that may be submitted individually
Measures that are no longer eligible:
- LED retrofit kit
- LED replacement lamp
Minimum amount for projects under the Small Businesses Component lowered to $500

In the OSE 5.0 version, the financial support available under certain measures has increased, while under others it has decreased. Why?

A number of factors influence the amount of financial support offered under the Efficient Solutions Program. The financial support available under the various measures can be adjusted based on, for instance, the fluctuation of market prices of equipment or the adoption rate of a certain type of equipment.

When the market adopts a type of energy-efficient equipment that becomes the standard or commonplace (LED lights, for example), the incentive offered is decreased, and then eventually withdrawn.

Conversely, if Hydro-Québec wants to encourage its customers to adopt a more efficient technology that has not yet become a market standard (for example, geothermal energy), it will increase the financial support it offers for this technology in order to reduce the barriers to its purchase and thereby increase its adoption.

What are the advantages of an energy analysis?

With an energy analysis, you can target potential projects involving the efficient use of electricity, demonstrate their feasibility and profitability and obtain financial support to help implement them. Once the energy analysis has been carried out, you could receive financial support to implement your selected measures. You will also receive support from Hydro‑Québec experts.

I would like to participate in the Energy Analysis component. What do I need to do?

You must first consult the Energy Analysis Component [PDF 150 kB - In French only] and the Conditions and Undertaking [PDF 98 kB - in French only] to learn about the requirements and the steps to take. You can also rely on engineering consulting services or an industry professional for support, or contact us for more information.

Who is the Energy Analysis component intended for?

The Energy Analysis component is intended for businesses located in Québec that have one or more buildings used for commercial, institutional or industrial activities and that receive their electricity from the Hydro‑Québec grid or from an eligible off-grid, municipal or cooperative system. Please refer to the Participant’s Guide – Energy Analysis Component [PDF 150 kB - In French only] for a complete list of the requirements.

How can I get more information?

Simply contact our customer and partner support services at 1 800 463‑9900 for assistance. You can also call on an industry professional, who will be able to guide you through the process.

I am an energy efficiency professional. How can I help my customers participate in the program’s Energy Analysis component?

We encourage industry professionals (engineering consulting firm, company specializing in energy, contractor, etc.) to promote the program with their customers in order to find energy efficiency projects. All the information is available on the Partners and Project aggregators page.

Why should I participate in the Small Businesses component?

As a small business, you will benefit from measures that are tailored to your reality and from additional financial support of up to 90% of eligible costs as well as a reduced eligibility threshold of $500. This will help you lower your electricity bill and improve your competitive edge.

Why is the Small Businesses component different from the Medium and Large Businesses component?

Under the Small Businesses component, there’s only one offering, and it’s for the measures in the OSE tool. The Medium and Large Businesses component has two offerings: the Simplified Option for the measures in the OSE tool and the Customized Option for measures that aren’t in the OSE tool.

Bonus financial support is available to companies that participate in the Small Businesses component, and the minimum amount of financial support is lower.

Who is the Small Businesses component intended for?

This component is intended for companies that are subject to Rate G and that have one or more commercial, institutional or industrial buildings located in Québec and that receive their electricity from the Hydro‑Québec grid or from an eligible off-grid, municipal or cooperative system. Refer to the Participant’s Guide – Small Businesses Component [PDF 143 kB - In French only] and the Conditions and Undertaking [PDF 98 kB - in French only] to learn more about the program requirements.

I would like to participate in the Small Businesses component. What do I need to do?

You must first consult the Participant’s Guide – Small Businesses Component [PDF 143 kB - In French only] and the Conditions and Undertaking [PDF 98 kB - in French only] to learn about the requirements and the steps to take. You can also rely on engineering consulting services or an industry professional for support. You can also contact our customer and partner support services at 1 800 ENERGIE (1 800 363-7443).

I specialize in energy efficiency, how can I help my customers participate in the Small Businesses component?

We encourage industry specialists (engineering consulting firms, companies specializing in energy, contractors, etc.) to promote the program among their customers and encourage them to submit their energy efficiency projects. For more information, refer to the Participant’s Guide – Small Businesses Component [PDF 143 kB - In French only] as well as the Conditions and Undertaking [PDF 98 kB - in French only].

Is there a minimum number of measures that need to be implemented to benefit from the financial support available under the Small Businesses component?

Yes, the financial support, calculated using the OSE tool, must be at least $500. An aggregator can group several projects together to reach the required amount. Refer to the Participant’s Guide – Small Businesses Component [PDF 143 kB - In French only] for more information.

Can I submit a single request for several buildings?

Yes.

Can I submit one request for a building subject to Rate G and for another building subject to a different business rate?

Yes. The OSE tool can take different criteria into account when carrying out the calculation.

When do I need to submit a project?

A project must be submitted to Hydro‑Québec once the work has been completed. However, with the OSE tool, you can obtain at any time an assessment of the financial support you may be entitled to if you implement a series of measures.

I’ve submitted my project. What do I do next?

Hydro‑Québec will read your project and verify its compliance. You may be asked to provide additional information. Refer to the Participant’s Guide – Small Businesses Component [PDF 143 kB - In French only] and the Conditions and Undertaking [PDF 98 kB - in French only] to learn more about the program requirements.

As a participant in the program’s Small Businesses component, do I have to send in invoices for my project?

Yes. If you are submitting a project in the Small Businesses component, you must send in a copy of the invoices for the purchase and installation of equipment related to each energy efficiency measure put in place, in addition to the other required documents (see Step 2 of the process in the Participant’s Guide – Small Businesses Component [PDF 143 kB - In French only]).

Why should I participate in the Medium and Large Businesses component?

You could receive financial support of up to 75% of eligible costs in order to implement energy efficiency measures. These measures help improve your energy performance and reduce your electricity bill while directly contributing to your company’s profitability.

Who is the Medium and Large Businesses component intended for?

This component is intended for businesses that have one or more commercial, institutional or industrial buildings subject to a business rate and located in Québec. The buildings must receive their electricity from the Hydro‑Québec grid or from an eligible off-grid, municipal or cooperative system. Refer to the Participant’s Guide – Medium and Large Businesses Component [PDF 212 kB - in French only] to learn more about the program requirements.

I am interested in participating in the Medium and Large Businesses component. What do I need to do?

You must first consult the Participant’s Guide – Medium and Large Businesses Component [PDF 212 kB - in French only] and the Conditions and Undertaking [PDF 98 kB - in French only] to learn about the requirements and the steps to take. You can also rely on an industry professional for support or contact our customer and partner support services at 1 800 463-9900 or your commercial delegate.

As a participant in the program’s Medium and Large Businesses component, do I have to send in invoices for my project?

Yes. If you are submitting a project in the Medium and Large Businesses component, you must send in a copy of the invoices for the purchase and installation of equipment related to each energy efficiency measure put in place, in addition to the other required documents (see Step 2 of the process in the Participant’s Guide – Medium and Large Businesses Component [PDF 212 kB - in French only]).

I am an energy efficiency professional. How can I help my customers participate in the program’s Medium and Large Businesses component?

We encourage industry professionals (engineering consulting firms, contractors, companies specializing in energy, etc.) to promote the Efficient Solutions Program with their customers in order to find and implement energy efficiency projects. All the information is available on the Partners and Project aggregators page.

What is the minimum financial support threshold under the Medium and Large Businesses component?

Under the Simplified Option, the financial support must be at least $2,500. An aggregator can group several projects together to reach that minimum amount. The Customized Option has different terms and conditions. Refer to the Participant’s Guide – Medium and Large Businesses Component [PDF 212 kB - in French only] for more information.

When do I need to submit a project?

Under the Simplified Option, the project must be submitted to Hydro‑Québec once the work has been completed. However, with the OSE you can obtain at any time an assessment of the financial support you may be entitled to if you implement a series of measures. Under the Customized Option, you must contact us to validate your project’s eligibility.

I’ve submitted my project. What do I do next?

Hydro‑Québec will read your project and verify its compliance. You may be asked to provide additional information. Refer to the Participant’s Guide – Medium and Large Businesses Component [PDF 261 kB - in French only] and the Conditions and Undertaking [PDF 98 kB - in French only] to learn more about the program requirements.

Why should I act as an Efficient Solutions Program aggregator or partner?

As a project aggregator or partner, you’re helping business customers participate in the program. You’re also developing your company and playing a leading role in the energy transition. You can also receive incentive compensation or financial support.

What is the difference between an aggregator and a partner?

A partner guides the customer through the Efficient Solutions Program and receives incentive compensation but does not receive the financial support. An aggregator is a type of participant who submits the project(s) on behalf of their customers and is entitled to receive incentive compensation in addition to directly receiving the financial support.

When will I receive the incentive compensation?

Under the Small Businesses component and the Medium and Large Businesses component’s Simplified Option, the compensation is paid twice a year provided the eligibility thresholds are met.

Under the Medium and Large Businesses component’s Customized Option, the compensation is paid as soon as the project is finished.

Refer to the Participant’s Guide – Small Businesses Component [PDF 143 kB - In French only] and the Participant’s Guide – Medium and Large Businesses Component [PDF 212 kB - in French only] for more information.

How can I get more information about the program?

You can contact our customer and partner support services at 1 800 463-9900.