| Optimizing energy management in public buildings

During winter 2024‑2025, measures were implemented in institutional buildings to improve their energy performance during peak demand events as part of the Demand Response (DR) Option. The initiative was carried out in collaboration with building managers, local companies specializing in energy efficiency, as well as Hydro‑Québec.

The measures involved:

  • Reprogramming the energy management systems of the buildings to modify their control sequences
  • Synchronizing them with the microgrid’s central control system
  • Taking into account comments from occupants so that adjustments to ensure their comfort can be made

The improvements made to the buildings enabled the railway station and the MRC du Granit to reduce their power demand by more than 40% during peak demand events.

What’s more, because they were enrolled in the DR Option, the buildings received a credit worth about 10% of their annual electricity bill. This credit–paid out at the end of winter–is calculated based on the average of the power demand reductions achieved during peak demand events.

Did you know?

As opposed to residential customers, the majority of business customers are billed not only for the energy they consume, but also for power demand, i.e., energy consumption at a given time. High demand at a given time can result in significant costs both for businesses and Hydro‑Québec, which has to maintain a power system that is able to meet needs during peak periods. That’s why we’ve created incentive programs to encourage better energy use at the right time.

Discover our offers for business customers:
The Demand Response Option: It’s a win-win! See our offers.
Financial support to automate demand response management

| Inauguration of the Le Chevalier building

Québec’s one-of-a-kind Le Chevalier building is a multifunctional building with 21 affordable apartments that is equipped with a wide range of innovative energy technologies. The tenants in this innovative living environment all share the common goal of using electricity wisely.

The Le Chevalier building is a living lab. The residents share energy resources by optimizing energy use and relying on various types of technology. Their experiences will be included in studies on household energy use.

Hybrid solar panels on the roof

  • Preheating domestic hot water
  • Generating electricity to supply the building

Wall-mounted thermal storage heaters

  • Shifting electricity use to outside peak periods

Heat pumps

  • Heating in the winter with the possibility of energy savings thanks to this high-efficiency device
  • Air-conditioning in the summer

Electricity management system

  • Effective energy management in the building
  • Coordination with the microgrid’s other energy installations

| New exhibitions at the railway station and guided discovery tours of the microgrid

The Lac-Mégantic heritage railway station has reopened its doors and is proposing more services for tourists, including a tourist information office and various permanent exhibitions, including a new exhibition on energy and the energy transition.

The outdoor guided discovery tours of the microgrid continued throughout the summer, which allowed the public to discover Québec’s first-ever electric microgrid. Tours depart from the railway station. Departure times may vary. Duration: about 50 minutes. Free admission. No reservations required.

Find more information, plan your visit and reserve