Efficient Solutions Program – Small Business Component: A Strategic Lever for Quebec's Small Businesses
Overview of the Program
In April 2024, Hydro-Québec launched the Efficient Solutions Program – Small Business Component, an initiative aimed at stimulating improvements in energy efficiency among small businesses operating in the commercial, institutional, and industrial sectors. This program encourages businesses to undertake modernization, expansion, major renovation, equipment addition, or construction projects.
Eligibility and Participant Commitments
Businesses wishing to participate must meet several specific criteria to qualify for Hydro-Québec's support:
- Eligible Buildings: Projects must involve buildings located in Quebec, used for commercial, institutional, or industrial activities, and connected to Hydro-Québec’s network or an eligible autonomous or municipal network.
Participant Responsibilities
Participants in the program are required to fulfill various obligations to ensure the proper conduct of their projects:
- Preparation and Submission of Documents: Participants must gather and submit all documents required by Hydro-Québec for the evaluation and approval of projects.
- Compliance with Requirements: Projects must be executed in accordance with the standards and guidelines established by the program, ensuring the efficiency and sustainability of the energy improvements.
In-depth Financial Support and Application Process
This component of the program offers significant financial support intended to cover part of the costs associated with energy efficiency measures. The process for obtaining this support is structured into several key stages:
- Preliminary Evaluation: Use of the OSE (Efficient Solutions Tool) to assess the potential amount of financial support and verify the eligibility of the proposed measures.
- Detailed Project Submission: Participants must submit their finalized project along with all necessary documentation via Hydro-Québec’s online system. This step includes the verification of compliance with energy efficiency measures and projected costs.
- Reception and Management of Financial Support: Once the project is approved, funding is granted and the funds are transferred according to the program’s rules, thus enabling the actual implementation of energy improvements.
Compensation Terms for Stakeholders
The program also provides incentives for aggregators and partners who play a crucial role in advising and supporting small businesses:
- Compensation Structure: The incentive compensation is designed to reward the efforts of partners and aggregators who facilitate the implementation of energy projects. This mechanism is essential to maintain an active and engaged support network.
- Payment Mechanism: Compensation is structured to be paid bi-annually, based on the achievement of certain financial performance thresholds and the successful completion of projects within the planned timelines and budgets.
Detailed Procedures and Fiscal Obligations
The program is rigorously structured to ensure transparent and fair management of the allocated funds:
- Rigorous Monitoring: Hydro-Québec imposes strict standards for documentation and tracking of projects, including audits and regular checks to ensure compliance with energy efficiency objectives.
- Fiscal Responsibilities: Aggregators and partners must submit detailed invoices in accordance with prevailing tax standards, thus facilitating the compensation process and ensuring the transparency of financial transactions.
In summary, the Efficient Solutions Program – Small Business Component by Hydro-Québec represents an exceptional opportunity for Quebec's small businesses to actively participate in the province's energy transition. It not only provides financial support for energy efficiency projects but also offers a framework for close collaboration with experts who can help maximize the benefits of these initiatives.
- Click HERE : To see the Official Page of the Program on Hydro-Québec's website
- Click HERE : To see the PARTICIPANT GUIDE (available in french only) of the Program