Energy Management System Program Turn your energy spending into savings
Lower your energy bills and ramp up your performance with an energy management system (EMS): our incentives will help get you started!
What’s an EMS?
An EMS is a set of tools and best practices through which energy use can be continuously monitored, measured and improved. The successful implementation of an EMS depends on a shift in energy use habits, strong commitment from senior management and the implementation of energy efficiency measures.
- Set up an energy committee
- Adopt an energy policy
- Implement an energy management information system (EMIS)
- Analyze data to identify sources of waste and inefficiency
- Roll out an action plan to improve energy performance
What benefits can an EMS deliver?
Electricity savings
Optimizing your energy consumption could save you around 5%, which you can use to help offset rising energy rates.
Enhance your competitive edge
Boost your energy performance to strengthen your ROI and market position.
Elevate your brand image
Showcase your energy management leadership in your industry by obtaining ISO 50001 certification.
Enhanced incentives
Hydro-Québec offers enhanced financial support to industrial Rate L customers and customers with a special contract to speed up the installation of an EMS. This support simplifies each step in the process and enables the implementation of a continuous improvement approach to enhance your energy performance.
To learn more about the terms and conditions, read the Participant’s Guide [PDF 191 kB, in French only].
Installation phase
Up to $600,0001 with an upfront payment option up to $200,000
Up to2
$50,000: Diagnostic analysis
$350,000: EMS implementation
$350,000: EMIS implementation
Up to
$50,000 over 5 years3: Measurement and verification
$50,000: Energy consultant
Bonus and performance incentive
Up to $1,000,000 (subject to terms and conditions)
Up to $1,000,000 based on the Hydro‑Quebec site’s annual electricity consumption and the time between contract signing and certification. Customers with a special contract are not eligible.
Up to 20¢/kWh of electricity saved
Savings with Rate L
20¢/kWh of electricity saved, no cap
Savings with a special contract
10¢/kWh of electricity saved (up to $5M over the entire project period)
- The maximum amount of $600,000 includes Hydro‑Québec’s financial support and Énergir’s subsidy.
- The amount of these three elements must not exceed $500,000.
- Maximum of $10,000 per year
How do I participate?
Installing an EMS is a structured process that involves several steps. Here is a simplified roadmap:
Step 1
Preparation
Before you get started, read the program’s terms and conditions.
Consult the Participant’s GuideStep 2
Step 3
Contract signing and start of the project
Once your eligibility is confirmed, sign the contract. You can then use the deliverables templates to get your project off to a smooth start.
Step 4
Financial support paid upfront (optional)
Need support from day one? You can request advance financial support using the form that was downloaded earlier in step 2.
Step 5
Installation and follow‑up
The additional project steps include diagnostic analysis reports, progress and installation reports, technical guide for measurements and verification and electricity savings reports – electricity section. Each step is associated with specific deliverables and financial support payments. Consult the Participant’s Guide for the details and timelines.
Implementing an EMS: An inspiring success story
See how Hydro‑Québec’s financial support facilitated the installation of an EMS and led to sustainable improvements in energy performance.
Kruger’s story
See how Produits Kruger made energy management a cornerstone of its growth strategy by mobilizing its teams and leveraging $271,000 in financial support from Hydro‑Québec1.
1. Since February 25, 2026, the offer has been enhanced, and clients can now obtain up to $600,000 in financial support (see the participation guide for full details).
Video of 3 minutes 52 seconds
FAQs
Currently, only Rate L customers and those with a special contract are eligible for the new EMS Program.
That said, Hydro‑Québec is considering the option of a future program for industrial customers with contracts at other rates.
Yes, Rate L customers and those with a special contract who are participating in the previous EMS Program will be automatically transferred to the new EMS Program and can take advantage of its updated terms and conditions. Some restrictions may apply.
For more information on your specific situation, please get in touch with your account representative.
You can also consult the transition rules in the Participant’s Guide [in French only].
ISO 50001 certification is an international standard that governs best practices in energy management. Its aim is to improve energy performance in a way that is continuous and structured.
The new EMS Program is specifically designed to support the implementation of an EMS that complies with ISO 50001. The program helps organizations build a solid foundation in energy management and makes the path to certification much easier through substantial financial support. ISO 50001 certification is strongly recommended.
