Green Light to Launch Dual-Energy Offer to Decarbonize the Heating of Buildings

May 26, 2022

Hydro-Québec and Énergir welcome the Régie de l’énergie’s decision allowing them to proceed with the launch, in June 2022, of a dual-energy offer aimed at decarbonizing the heating of buildings at the lowest possible cost for society.

In its decision, the Régie recognizes that: 

• It is in the public’s best interest that Énergir and Hydro-Québec assume their social responsibilities by contributing to the decarbonization of space heating systems in the current climate crisis.
• The dual-energy scenario has a much lower impact on Hydro-Québec’s electricity rates than the total electrification scenario.
• The estimated rate impacts are balanced and reasonable from the standpoint of achieving a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030.
• The GHG contribution is necessary to allow the rapid rollout of the dual-energy offer, accelerate the reduction of GHG emissions and ensure successful collaboration between the two distributors.

This decision is a major milestone towards the decarbonization of space heating and the achievement of Québec’s GHG reduction targets. By 2030, it will decrease the natural gas consumption of participating customers by over 70%, thus resulting in a significant reduction of GHG emissions generated by the heating of buildings at the lowest possible cost for society.

The two distributors will also roll out a zero-emission electricity/renewable natural gas solution for all Énergir customers. New constructions will be eligible.

The energy transition and the reduction of GHG emissions represent a huge challenge and major costs for society. They will lead to higher demand for electricity, which in turn will result in higher prices for this resource, especially during peak periods on the coldest days of winter. The innovative solution developed by Hydro-Québec and Énergir constitutes a pragmatic way of rapidly cutting GHG emissions while minimizing the rate impact for the customers of both distributors.

Residential customers will be able to sign up for the dual-energy offer in a few weeks’ time, and further details on the financial assistance available will be announced soon.

Source