Rate DT – Dual Energy
Rate DT is designed for customers with a dual-energy heating system that uses electricity as the main source of energy and a fuel as the auxiliary source.
Video: Getting the most out of dual energy and Rate DT
A dual-energy heating system uses two energy sources: electricity and a fuel, usually oil.
This heating system uses electricity as the main source of energy and a fuel like oil, propane, natural gas or wood pellets as the auxiliary source.
Rate DT has two different prices for electricity, which apply depending on the outdoor temperature.
Rate DT is more advantageous, except in extremely cold weather, when the temperature is below –12°C or –15°C, depending on the region. But we only have those extreme cold spells a few days a year, so Rate DT is generally cheaper when the appropriate heating source is used at the right time. An indicator light shows what price you’re being billed for your electricity. Also, a dual-energy heating system automatically switches from one energy source to the other.
The advantages of Rate DT
Generally cheaper than Rate D
On an annual basis, Rate DT is generally cheaper than Rate D for dual-energy customers who use the right energy source at the right time. Keep in mind however that depending on your electricity use habits, Rate DT can be more expensive than Rate D.
The possibility of additional savings in summer
When air-conditioning or a pool heater is used, Rate DT can also help you save on energy costs for systems that run at full capacity in summer.
Everyone benefits
Using your dual-energy heating system lowers the demand for electricity during peak periods, which are generally during winter cold spells. Hydro-Québec can therefore provide Quebecers with a secure supply of electricity at the lowest cost. In this way, dual energy limits the upward pressure on electricity rates, which is quite an advantage for all customers.
Rate DT
4.37 ¢/kWh for the energy consumed during most of the year
25.55 ¢/kWh for the energy consumed during a cold spell, which only happens a few days a year
Rate D*
6.08 ¢/kWh for the energy consumed in the first tier
9.38 ¢/kWh for the rest of the energy consumed (2nd tier)
*Given that most contracts at Rate DT are eligible for Rate D, for simplicity, the only comparison shown here is with Rate D. Contracts that are eligible for domestic rates DP or DM are also eligible for Rate DT if the customer uses a dual-energy system that qualifies for Rate DT.
In effect as of April 1, 2019. In either case, the system access charge will apply.
Who benefits from dual energy?
Dual energy is advantageous for Rate DT customers, Hydro‑Québec and Hydro-Québec customers as a whole! Take a closer look:
| Who ? | Advantages |
|---|---|
| Rate DT customers | Savings on the vast majority of kWh consumed during the year to make up for the high price applied to electricity consumption during cold spells |
| Hydro‑Québec | Better management of demand for electricity during cold spells |
| Other Hydro-Québec customers | Lower electricity rates overall due to lower supply costs during winter peaks |
Potential savings compared with Rate D
Here is an example of the potential savings for a 158-m2 (about 1,700-sq. ft.) single-family home with four occupants in Montréal.
Keep in mind however that depending on your electricity use habits, Rate DT can be more expensive than Rate D given that electricity consumed during cold spells is billed at a higher rate than it is with Rate D. But, the less electricity you use during cold spells, the more likely you are to save with Rate DT.
| Rate | Energy cost | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Rate D | Electricty: $2,039 | $2,039 |
| Rate DT | Electricty: $1,313 Oil : $204* |
$1,517 |
| Annual savings with Rate DT: $522 | ||
*Estimated cost of oil: $0.76/L, based on the Montréal average for the 2020-2021 season. Source: Régie de l’énergie, Relevé hebdomadaire des prix du mazout léger, week of August 17, 2020.
Detailed description of calculation
Average energy costs
Annual consumption for heating rooms and water, and other basic uses.
Calculating savings at Rate DT
Annual consumption of 24,944 kWh.
Electricity, Rate D:
- 6.08 ¢/kWh for 13,621 kWh consumed (1st tier)
- 9.38 ¢/kWh for 11,323 kWh consumed (2nd tier)
Dual energy, Rate DT:
- 4.37 ¢/kWh for 21,965 kWh consumed when the temperature is above or equal to –12°C or –15°C
- 25.55 ¢/kWh for 800 kWh consumed when the temperature goes below –12°C or –15°C
Estimated cost of oil: 0.76 $/L for 269 L
Electricity bills (at Rate D and Rate DT) include the system access charge of 40.64¢ per day.
Maximize savings during the summer
Enjoy summer to the max for less!
Example of potential savings
Save more by lowering your air-conditioning and pool-heating costs!
| Central air-conditioning or pool heater | Central air-conditioning | Pool heater |
|---|---|---|
| Summer consumption | 800 kWh | 4,000 kWh |
| Electricity – Rate D | $49 | $375 |
| Dual energy – Rate DT | $35 | $175 |
| Annual savings | $14 | $200 |
How to monitor your consumption
You can keep track of your electricity use with the My Consumption Profile tool. Compare your electricity use to the same period from the previous year and discover what lead to increases or decrease in your consumption. This will help you achieve the savings you expected and make the most of Rate DT.
Keep in mind however that depending on your electricity use habits, Rate DT can be more expensive than Rate D. Track what leads to increased electricity consumption during cold spells, and make any necessary changes in order to achieve the savings you expected.
- Details on the structure of Rate DT
- Consider these potential solutions if you are not saving as much as expected with Rate DT
- See the installation specifications for contractors [PDF 445 kB]
Does your heating system make you eligible for Rate DT (dual energy)?
How can I sign up for Rate DT?
Step 1
Begin by asking a heating contractor to check that your dual-energy system complies with the provisions set out in the Electricity Rates [PDF 4.83 MB], in particular with respect to dual energy and Rate DT.
Step 2
Then have the contractor fill out a Certificate of Eligibility – Dual Energy form [PDF 638 kB]. Sign the certificate of eligibility to confirm that you would like to sign up for Rate DT and send it to the address shown on the form.
You will have to pay for the inspection of your dual-energy system, for making the system compliant with the requirements of Rate DT, if necessary, and for the installation of the indicator light, supplied free of charge by Hydro-Québec, which will tell you when the higher price applies.
Step 3
During most of the year
When the temperature is above or equal to −12°C or −15°C, depending on the region.
During a cold spell
When the temperature goes below −12°C or −15°C, depending on the region.
First tier
Your energy consumption is divided into two tiers. The first tier (1st tier), which is set at 40 kWh per day, or 1,200 kWh per month, is billed at a lower price than the second tier (2nd tier).
Rate
Electricity rate as at April 1, 2019.
Oil
Estimated cost of oil: $0.76/L.
$522
Savings of approximately $396 if annual system maintenance costs apply.
Electricity – Rate D
Consumption billed at the first-tier energy price of Rate D at April 1, 2019, for consumption associated with central air-conditioning, and at the second-tier energy price of Rate D for consumption associated with the pool heater.
Dual-energy – Rate DT
Consumption billed at lowest Rate DT price, as at April 1, 2019.
Distribution service loop
Any portion of a power line, not located along a public highway, extending the Hydro-Québec system to the connection point.
System access charge
A set amount, expressed in dollars per month or cents per day depending on the applicable rate, that the customer must pay for the electricity service.
Beginning April 1, 2019, the term fixed charge was replaced with system access charge.
Multiplier
A factor that is applied to the system access charge, to the consumption at the various energy price tiers and to the base billing demand, as applicable depending on the rate.
Energy
Power used by electrical equipment over a given period of time. Expressed in kilowatthours (kWh), energy is calculated as power, expressed in kilowatts (kW), multiplied by the time during which the power is used, expressed in hours (h).
The formula for energy is as follows: energy (in kilowatthours) is equal to power (in kilowatts) multiplied by duration of use (in hours).
Energy (kWh) = power (kW) x time used (h).
Power
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).
Winter period
Period from December 1 through March 31 of the next year, inclusive.
Summer period
Period from April 1 through November 30, inclusive.
Maximum power demand
Maximum power measured during a given period. It is the higher of the following two values:
- the highest real power demand, expressed in in kilowatts (kW)
- 90% or 95% (depending on the rate applicable) of the highest apparent power demand in kilovoltamperes (kVA)
These power demands are determined for integration periods of 15 minutes.
Real power
Amount of electricity consumed in a useful manner to operate equipment, such as a motor or a heating or lighting system. Real power is expressed in kilowatts (kW).
Apparent power
Amount of electricity that Hydro-Québec supplies to a customer, expressed in kilovoltamperes (kVA). When it is used, apparent power breaks down into real power (kW), which runs devices, and reactive power (kVAR), which produces magnetic fields and which is not useful power for the customer.
Minimum billing demand (minimum demand)
The minimum amount of power that the customer must pay for each consumption period, regardless of electricity use. The threshold is set so that you pay your share of the costs Hydro-Québec incurs to meet your power needs at all times. The minimum billing demand is determined by the conditions of each rate, as indicated in the Electricity Rates.
- For all rates except Rate L, the minimum billing demand is automatically determined based on the previous winter’s maximum power demand.
- Rate L customers must set their own minimum billing demand, called “contract power,” based on the amount of electricity they expect to use.
Electricity as the main source
The dual-energy system in electrical mode uses an electric forced-air system, an electric boiler, a traditional central heat pump or a geothermal heat pump.
Fuel as the auxiliary source
“Fuel as the auxiliary source” refers to a fuel such as oil, propane, natural gas or wood pellets that is used as a second source of energy to heat your home.
Dual-energy system in fuel mode
The dual-energy system in fuel mode must be able to keep your home warm during cold spells without the electrical mode being used at the same time.
Automatic switch
A dual-energy heating system eligible for Rate DT automatically switches from one energy source to the other when it receives a signal from the outdoor-temperature sensor: electricity when the temperature is above or equal to –12°C or –15°C, depending on the region; fuel when the temperature goes below that critical threshold.
Off-grid systems
“Off-grid system” refers to a system that is not connected to Hydro-Québec’s main grid. In this particular case, it refers to the systems in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Clova, Obedjiwan, Île-d’Anticosti or La Romaine village, or one of the Nunavik systems.
Electricity as the main source of energy
The dual-energy system in electrical mode uses an electric forced-air system, an electric boiler, a traditional central heat pump or a geothermal heat pump.
Fuel as the auxiliary source
“Fuel as the auxiliary source” refers to a fuel such as oil, propane, natural gas or wood pellets that is used as a second source of energy for your farm’s heating needs.
Dual-energy system in fuel mode
The dual-energy system in fuel mode must be able to keep the farm premises it serves warm without the electrical mode being used at the same time.
Comments:
- The installed capacity of each dual-energy system must be no less than 50% of the installed capacity of the premises it serves.
- The installed capacity of all premises that are not served by a dual-energy system must not exceed 10 kilowatts.
Off-grid systems
“Off-grid system” refers to a system that is not connected to Hydro-Québec’s main grid. In this particular case, it refers to the systems in Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Clova, Obedjiwan, Île-d’Anticosti or La Romaine village or one of the Nunavik systems. Rate DT (dual energy) is not available to homes and farms located in those regions.