Hydro‑Québec Efficient Solutions Program · Updated September 22, 2026

Medium and large businesses: up to 75% of eligible costs paid by Hydro‑Québec. If you take the right door.

Hydro‑Québec funds the purchase and installation of heat pumps and other efficient equipment in commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. The rules changed on March 31, 2026: lower minimum, higher cap, ENERGY STAR heat pumps required. Here is the program as it stands today, with tools to see where you stand.

75 %of eligible costs, at most. You pay at least 25% of the project.
$5Mcap per project, for both the Simplified Offer and the Custom Offer.
$1,000minimum support for the Simplified Offer. It was $2,500 before March 31, 2026.
200+predefined measures in the OSE 6.0 tool
+15 %bonus for three combined measures
≈ 45 daysbetween your compliant invoice and payment
5 yearscommitment to keep the equipment running
01 · The right component

First reflex: the rate printed on your bill.

The component does not depend on headcount or revenue. It depends on the building’s electricity rate. Pick yours.

Building electricity rate

Building with 20 or more units? It is eligible too, new or existing. Work done by the owner of a single unit falls under LogisVert.

02 · The right offer

Simplified or custom? Three questions, one answer.

The Medium and Large Businesses component has two doors. Picking the wrong one is costly: one opens after the work, the other before.

1

Are your measures predefined in the OSE tool? Heat pumps, heat recovery, LED lighting, variable frequency drives, building envelope, solar panels…

2

Will the project save at least 25,000 kWh a year across all the buildings involved?

3

Have you already signed a contract with a contractor or bought equipment for this project?

Not sure about question 1? The OSE tool is a free download that lists every eligible measure. An OSE measure can exceptionally go through the Custom Offer for a special application, with Hydro‑Québec’s prior approval.

03 · The math

How much? Hydro‑Québec pays the smallest of four amounts.

For the Custom Offer, the rule is public: enter your numbers and see which limit holds you back. For the Simplified Offer, the OSE tool calculates measure by measure; the other tab checks the caps.

Scenarios to understand the rule (made-up numbers)
Project type
The 15% rate also covers adding a production line.
Estimated support, Custom Offer
0

Participant’s guide, March 2026, section 4.5.2. Indicative estimate: Hydro‑Québec revises the support based on the project’s actual results.

The OSE tool calculates each measure’s support. Then two rules from the guide apply: a $5M cap per project and a minimum 25% contribution by the business (60% for solar panels). And the support must reach at least $1,000.

Measure
Maximum support, Simplified Offer
0

Participant’s guide, March 2026, sections 3.1 and 3.2; Conditions and Undertaking, section 4.1.

New since March 31, 2026

The multi-measure bonus: combine, and the support goes up.

In the same building, combine measures from these three groups. OSE 6.0 applies the bonus. Tick what you plan to do.

+0 %
04 · Real examples

Two projects published by Hydro‑Québec, line by line.

In both cases, heat pumps make up almost all of the support. Lighting is small change.

Heat pumpsOther measures
97 %

The other published examples

Office building, various measures$542,280
High school, various measures$802,285
Arena, various measures$64,720
Grocery store, refrigeration and lighting$53,795
Food plant, industrial refrigeration$49,135
3 typesHydro‑Québec presents three types of heat pumps for businesses: air-source, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) and geothermal. See our VRF systems

Amounts rounded by Hydro‑Québec. The OSE version used is not stated, and support for DLC Premium LED fixtures went down on March 31, 2026: those lines would be lower today.

05 · The steps

The full path. And the moment it all hinges on.

BeforeCheck, estimateRead the March 2026 guide. OSE can estimate the support at any time, even before the work.You
Step 1Install, then applyEquipment installed and running: OSE files and every invoice sent to bureau.eeaffaires@hydroquebec.com.You
Step 2VerificationHydro‑Québec may ask for more documents or visit the building, then approves or revises the support and tells you the amount.Hydro‑Québec
Step 3Invoice, get paidYour invoice as a PDF, applicable taxes included, no later than 30 days after the billing request. Payment about 45 days later.You, then HQ
First of allSign nothing. Buy nothing.The proposal must reach Hydro‑Québec before the work start date, and be accepted before work begins.Point of no return
Step 1Eligibility and proposalCall 1 800 463‑9900 or use the form. You return the Project Proposal with quotes, spec sheets and drawings.You + HQ
Step 2Measurement planYou provide the measurement plan or the savings calculations. Hydro‑Québec confirms in writing.You + HQ
Step 3Pre-work measurement, acceptancePre-work measurement report if required. Hydro‑Québec emails you the planned support. You carry out the project.Hydro‑Québec
Step 4Post-work measurement, proofReport signed by an engineer if required, Project Completion Confirmation, invoices and detailed cost grid.You
Step 5Invoice, get paidPDF invoice within 30 days of the request. Payment about 45 days later, adjusted to actual results.You, then HQ
06 · Dates and documents

Your start date decides the rules. Your invoices decide the rest.

Simplified Offer

Which version applies to your project?

Before May 9, 2022Project not eligible.
May 9, 2022 to Oct. 6, 2024File in OSE 4.1, April 2024 guide.
Oct. 7, 2024 to March 30, 2026OSE 5.1 and March 2025 guide. For a start before March 31, 2025, OSE 4.1 is also available.
From March 31, 2026Current program: OSE 6.0 and March 2026 guide.

Custom Offer: the rules are set by the date Hydro‑Québec confirms it received the compliant proposal.

Send your invoice no later than
Estimated payment if you invoice the same day
Checklist

The complete file

0 / 7
07 · The pitfalls

Eight ways to lose the support.

Too earlyA contract signed before acceptanceCustom Offer: if work starts before Hydro‑Québec accepts the proposal, the project is not eligible.
GThe wrong componentA building on rate G or Flex G belongs in the Small Businesses component, not this one.
ENERGY STARA heat pump without the right certificationSince March 31, 2026, only ENERGY STAR certified split air-source heat pumps qualify. AHRI certification alone is no longer enough.
×2The same project, two programsFiling the same project with another program, from Hydro‑Québec or another body, can lead to refusal or repayment. Heat pumps filed under ÉcoPerformance, Dual-energy component, are excluded.
30 daysAn invoice sent too lateAfter 30 days from the billing request, Hydro‑Québec may close the file. Word or Excel: refused, PDF only.
2 monthsA question left unansweredWith no satisfactory answer two months after a written request for information, Hydro‑Québec may end eligibility.
5 yearsEquipment left to failEquipment must stay in good working order for 5 years. Otherwise, repayment prorated by the weeks without savings.
RBQUsed equipment or an unlicensed installerNew, certified equipment only, installed by a company holding the required licences, including RBQ.
08 · In one table

Both offers, side by side.

CriterionSimplified OfferCustom Offer
Which measures200+ measures predefined in OSEMeasures not in OSE, or an application OSE does not cover
Entry thresholdSupport of at least $1,000At least 25,000 kWh saved per year and a payback of at least one year, support included
CalculationBy OSE, measure by measureThe lesser of: 45¢/kWh; payback brought to 1 year; 75% of costs (existing) or 15% (new, electrification, production line); $5M
Cap$5M per project$5M per project
Your minimum share25% of costs (60% for solar)25% of costs
When to applyAfter installationBefore the work start date
Eligible costsPurchase and installation of new equipment, before taxThe same, plus measurement, engineering, plans and specs, in-house labour and hazardous materials handling
Demand response, solarEligibleExcluded
PaymentAbout 45 days after your compliant invoiceAbout 45 days after your invoice, amount revised to results
09 · What changed

Four years of rules, in seven dates.

Cut-offMay 9, 2022Projects started before this date are no longer eligible.
IncreaseJune 15, 2023Hydro‑Québec increases support for heat pumps.
ArchivedApril 2, 2024April 2024 guide, the one our old page still cited.
TransitionOct. 7, 2024Start of the period covered by OSE 5.1, up to March 30, 2026.
In forceMarch 31, 2026OSE 6.0: $1,000 minimum, $5M cap, ENERGY STAR required, multi-measure bonus.
PartnersJune 30, 2026Mandatory training for partners and aggregators who file projects.
CheckedSept. 22, 2026The March 2026 guide and OSE 6.0 apply. This page is up to date.
10 · Frequently asked questions

The answers, with the rule behind them.

Who can participate?

Any business or organization established in Québec with a Québec enterprise number (NEQ), whose commercial, institutional or industrial building is on a business rate other than G or Flex G and supplied by Hydro‑Québec or an eligible off-grid, municipal or cooperative system. Buildings with 20 or more units are also eligible.

I rent my premises. Am I eligible?

The project must involve a building you own, operate, occupy or build. You must state your link to the building and, on request, provide proof.

Can I start work before applying?

Simplified Offer: yes, you actually apply after installation. Custom Offer: no, Hydro‑Québec must receive and accept the proposal before the work start date.

What is the “work start date”?

The earlier of two dates: signing the first contract with the contractor, or the first equipment purchase, proven by a purchase order or an invoice.

Can I stack it with another grant?

Be careful. Hydro‑Québec can refuse or claw back the support if the same project is filed with another of its programs or another body’s. Heat pumps filed under ÉcoPerformance, commercial and institutional Dual-energy component, are excluded. For the Custom Offer, you must declare any other support obtained or requested. Check with Hydro‑Québec before filing elsewhere.

Is the support taxable?

Hydro‑Québec issues an RL-27 slip, except to a tax-exempt organization. The support is an incentive payment that may reduce the cost of an asset or expense, or count as income. It is generally subject to GST and QST. Talk to your tax advisor.

What must each purchase or installation invoice show?

Date and number, seller or installer name and address, your company name, an installation address matching the building, equipment details (model, quantity, price) and GST and QST numbers. All documents must be in French.

Can Hydro‑Québec come and check?

Yes, up to 5 years after the work ends, during normal hours and with 48 hours’ notice. If the equipment does not match the documents, the support can be revised, cancelled or clawed back.

What about the energy analysis?

It is a separate component of the program: up to $50,000 for an energy efficiency analysis, or $60,000 if it includes demand response. The building must use at least 1 GWh a year. Hydro‑Québec pays 40% of eligible costs when the report is filed, then 60% once measures are implemented.

Can a partner file for me?

Yes. At your request, a partner can fill out and send the OSE form on your behalf, but you remain responsible for the data. An aggregator files on behalf of several clients, with a Notice of participation signed by each.

11 · With AirGreen

Commercial heat pumps chosen and installed to pass verification.

RBQ licence 5645-9605-01Subcategories 15.8 Ventilation, 15.10 Refrigeration and 16 Electricity.
ENERGY STAR checked before orderingFor split units, we confirm the certification OSE 6.0 requires before buying.
Invoices ready for OSEModel, quantity, price, building address, GST and QST, in French.
VRF, wall-mounted, centralGREE, LENNOX and FUJITSU VRF systems, plus wall-mounted and central heat pumps.
Warranties registered for youWe register the manufacturer’s warranty in your name, at no charge.
Over 15 years in the fieldMontréal, Laval, Longueuil, North Shore and South Shore.

AirGreen is not mandated by Hydro‑Québec, and Hydro‑Québec does not recommend any supplier. Your business files the project and receives the support. Program questions: Hydro‑Québec, 1 800 463‑9900.

Sources checked on September 22, 2026. Hydro‑Québec, Participant’s Guide, Efficient Solutions Program, Medium and Large Businesses component, March 2026 (code 2026G307, in French only); Conditions and Undertaking, March 2026; Participant’s Guide, Small Businesses component, March 2026; notice “Changes to the programs and version 6.0 of the OSE tool,” March 31, 2026; Hydro‑Québec pages Efficient equipment, OSE calculation tool, Transition rules, Heat pumps, Energy analysis, Project examples and Rates. Hydro‑Québec’s older “Medium and large businesses” page still shows 2024 rules ($2,500, $3M); the March 2026 guide prevails. Amounts calculated here are indicative; only Hydro‑Québec confirms the support granted.