Additional Electricity Option for Photosynthetic Lighting or Space Heating to Raise Crops
An option that allows you to raise crops all year long
Under this option, greenhouse growers can benefit from a discounted price for additional electricity used for photosynthetic lighting or space heating to raise crops, provided that they limit their electricity consumption during unauthorized periods.
If you operate a greenhouse or are thinking about building one and think you will be able to adjust your electricity consumption at our request, this rate option could be just what you’re looking for!
How the option works
Outside of unauthorized periods: The price of additional electricity is lower than the average price at your base rate.
During unauthorized periods: The price of additional electricity is /kWh. You must therefore turn off the equipment powered under the rate option and use an auxiliary energy source such as a generator instead, if needed.
You are notified by email and by phone (call and SMS) prior to each unauthorized period.
This option represents a win-win solution: the lower price rewards you for your efforts, which in turn help us manage the demand for electricity.
Unauthorized periods
Unauthorized periods occur mainly in winter (from December to March), but can occur at other times of the year as well. They last five hours on average and roughly coincide with the morning and afternoon peak demand periods.
You are notified of each unauthorized period by email and by phone (call and SMS). Most notifications are sent the previous day, but in some cases you may receive shorter notice, i.e., a minimum of two hours before the start of the unauthorized period. You may choose to have notifications sent to more than one person.
How to benefit from this option
You must operate or purchase a photosynthetic lighting or electric heating system.
Your maximum power demand must have reached at least 50 kilowatts (kW) during the 12 months preceding your sign-up request.
Complete and submit the Information/Sign-Up Request form (see below). We will get back to you within two business days.
Complete and return the registration form that we will send you.
Wait for a confirmation.
It’s as simple as that!
Information/Sign-Up Request
If you have questions about this rate option or would like to sign up, please fill in the form below so that a member of our specialized team can get in touch with you. Normally, you can expect a response within two business days. You can also contact our business customer services at 1 800 463‑9900.
Fill in the form
A green, profitable option for Hydroserre in Ham‑Nord!
“This rate option has made a tremendous difference for us,” said Hydroserre CEO, Sylvain Terrault, who was quick to take advantage of it.
Read article (in French only)Frequently asked questions
What is power?
Power is the total amount of electricity supplied at a given time. Expressed in kilowatts (kW), power is the combined effect of voltage, expressed in kilovolts (kV), and current, expressed in amperes (A).
Normally, Hydro‑Québec does not charge for power demand under 50 kilowatts (kW), as is the case for Rate D and most Rate G customers. For other customers, power demand is indicated on their electricity bill.
To learn more, visit our Web page entitled Understanding power and power demand.
How to reach a power demand of at least 50 kW ?
Your power demand depends on the equipment installed in your greenhouse. If you have photosynthetic lighting and/or an electric heating system, as well as equipment such as irrigation pumps, dehumidifiers or fans, these should create a power demand of at least 50 kilowatts (kW).
To avoid charges related to a minimum billing demand, however, you should keep your power demand below 50 kilowatts (kW) during the winter period, i.e., from December 1 to March 31.
How do I know if my power demand has reached 50 kW?
Your power demand data is available in the My Consumption Profile tool in your Customer Space. This tool also lets you track your electricity use on an hourly, daily, monthly or yearly basis.
Your power demand is also indicated on your electricity bill, under the heading Details of demand. If this element does not appear on your bill, it means that you have not reached the 50‑kilowatts (kW) threshold.
Do I have to have another meter installed to measure the additional electricity?
No. We determine the reference power with you and then apply the rate option price to your additional electricity use for heating and photosynthetic lighting.
What is a three-phase distribution system?
Electricity can be supplied at single-phase or three-phase voltage. A three-phase distribution system includes three wires separated by a crossbar, while a single-phase system comprises a single wire.
The three-phase system supplies loads with a high power demand, such as large buildings and equipment used by professionals. A master electrician can help you assess your power needs and determine if you should submit a connection request for three‑phase supply.
Must I be supplied by a three-phase distribution system to benefit from this rate option?
Not necessarily. The type of supply—single-phase or three-phase—depends on your needs. For instance, the electrical installation of a small greenhouse heated with electricity can comprise a single-phase, 400- or 600‑ampere (A) service box. A master electrician or an engineering consulting firm can help you determine what type of installation you require. Note, however, that your eligibility for the rate option to raise crops does not depend on the type of supply.
On average, how many hours per year do unauthorized periods represent?
The timing and duration of unauthorized periods vary according to weather conditions and Hydro‑Québec’s needs. Most occur during the winter. Generally speaking, these periods total about 70 hours per year.
How is the additional electricity calculated?
The calculation is made according to your monthly consumption data, measured and recorded by your meter and based on average values for 15-minute blocks. Consumption that exceeds the reference power is billed at the applicable price for additional electricity. The reference power and the rest of the energy are billed at the prices and conditions in effect for the base rate, i.e., Rate D, DP, DM, G, M, G9 or LG.
What is the reference power?
The reference power reflects the customer’s normal consumption profile at Rate D, DP, DM, G, M, G9 or LG. Expressed in kilowatts (kW), it is equal to the electricity consumption of all uses other than photosynthetic lighting and space heating to raise crops, namely computers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners, irrigation pumps, fans, etc.
