Most large buildings contain hidden sources of savings. Building automation firms such as Contrôles AC, a member of the Equans group, know how to tap into those savings by optimizing a building’s existing systems. Automated demand response measures are a perfect example.
The Demand Response (DR) Option is popular because organizations have understood that by modifying their electricity use during peak demand events, they’ll earn a significant credit. For many, it is the first step towards an automated energy approach. “It is often seen as an easy way to get started and it pays off quickly,” notes Patrick Moisan, Energy Efficiency Manager at Contrôles AC. “Companies then invest their savings in energy efficiency solutions, which will help them comply with the upcoming requirements of Bill 41.”
One building... endless possibilities
Regardless of a building’s features, existing systems or the operational constraints associated with the sector, the Contrôles AC and Equans Services teams always find a way to maximize their business customers’ participation in the DR Option.
They often rely on a combination of the following three main strategies:
- Preheating: Accumulating heat before the peak demand event in order to maintain comfort during the curtailment period.
- Load shedding: Turning the heat down or targeting non-essential loads, such as ventilation or less critical equipment.
- Source substitution: Using complementary energy sources that are already available.
“Some control sequences may have already been implemented,” notes Gabriel Mainville, Commercial Engineer – Energy Solutions and Support at Hydro‑Québec. “Sometimes all that needs to be done involves adding a few parameters to the programming and to the operator interface to adapt them to use less electricity during winter peak periods. For instance, to preheat a building by +2°C, the optimized start time just needs to be changed and the temperature then needs to be lowered by 2°C. During a peak demand event, the temperature reduction must minimize the impact on occupant comfort and the load shedding setpoint must be lowered. Electricity use must then resume gradually in order to avoid generating another peak. Peak demand events evolve, which is why programming with flexible parameters is a long‑term, winning solution that pays off.”
Challenging preconceived ideas
Although the benefits of the DR Option are now widely recognized, some organizations still have doubts about how the measures affect comfort or air quality. Many also believe that automating building systems is too complicated or that the savings are not worth the effort involved.
In actual fact, each project is adapted to the organization’s reality. “Even with significant constraints regarding temperature, air quality index or humidity level, we can work with those parameters. Whether it’s hospitals or schools, or building managers needing to fulfill specific contractual obligations, we always find solutions,” explains Mr. Moisan.
There are many strategies that can minimize the impact for building occupants. We often have more leeway than we realize. We always manage to achieve significant reductions.
Michel Tremblay
Director of Business Development at Contrôles AC
These guarantees come with another reassuring element—the lack of any financial risk. “There is very little investment required,” states Nicolas Lacroix, Energy Transition Director at Equans Services. “Customers have nothing to lose. They only stand to earn credits. They have everything to gain.”
Guaranteed savings... with no risk
Contrôles AC tests its solutions before the first peak demand event occurs. “If we need to, we make adjustments. Everything is optimized before the season even starts,” explains Mr. Tremblay. “Customers find that reassuring.”
The company Canderel agrees. “Once we had officially enrolled in the DR Option, Contrôles AC performed tests in the Louis‑Philippe‑Pigeon building in Québec before the winter season in order to optimize the power demand reduction sequences without compromising occupant comfort. This approach took both technical and human aspects into account,” says building manager Éric Lupien.
The results speak for themselves: Contrôles AC has a perfect track record across the board. After just one season, even the most skeptical organizations end up singing the praises of building automation.
That was true for Contrôles AC customer Optel Vision Inc. “The results met our expectations,” states Sylvain Careau, Building and IT Inventory Manager. “Not only did we add the DR Option, but we also reduced our energy consumption and our annual peak.”
Optimizing systems all year long
“In many buildings, the control sequences behind the synergy and effective operation of the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment haven’t been reviewed since commissioning,” observes Simon Roy, Representative – Market and Business Partnership Development at Hydro‑Québec. “What that means is that some systems heat and cool at the same time or operate at capacity in unoccupied spaces.”
Although surprisingly commonplace, these inconsistencies can be easily corrected thanks to the expertise of building automation firms. Making these types of adjustments helps organizations move toward optimal energy management on a continuous basis. The Centre de services scolaire de la Côte‑du‑Sud is a good example.
Thanks to Contrôles AC, over the years, we have acquired the expertise we need to be independent and to continuously improve our power demand management.
Marc‑Antoine Coulombe
Optimization Commissioner
Building automation for efficient decarbonization
Automating energy management in commercial, institutional and industrial buildings inevitably leads to significant gains. Some building automation firms go even further. “At Equans Services, our services range from energy diagnostics, used to establish an efficient decarbonization roadmap for organizations, to implementing measures and carrying out maintenance operations by highly qualified technical teams,” says Mr. Lacroix. “We act as a partner throughout the value chain for projects involving energy and building operations in order to ensure the success of the approach and to deliver results.”
This approach is aligned with Hydro‑Québec’s vision. Hydro‑Québec views building automation firms as accelerators in the energy transition. And organizations are seeing sustainable results. With the support of a specialized firm and Hydro‑Québec’s technical and financial assistance, companies and institutions have what they need to implement demand response measures and earn credits on their bill based on their performance.
Do you want to reduce your costs and reach your efficient decarbonization objectives? A building automation firm can find the optimal solution for you.
For more information about the role of a building automation firm, take a look at Firmes d’immotique: un levier stratégique pour optimiser vos coûts énergétiques. [In French only – Building automation firms: A strategic lever to optimize your energy costs]
About Equans Services
Active in Canada and the U.S. for over 30 years, Equans Services supports businesses, institutions and industries in their transition to more connected, energy-efficient buildings. Its customized solutions include integrated facility management, building operations and maintenance, energy efficiency, decarbonization, automation and mobility.
A member of the Equans group, Contrôles AC specializes in optimizing building systems. The company helps its customers combine performance and savings as they navigate the energy transition. Its expertise in demand response and automation makes it the ideal partner for turning constraints into measurable gains.
Don’t miss out: Get a 100% reimbursement on all eligible costs!
The deadline is April 30, 2026!
For a limited time, the Efficient Solutions Program will reimburse up to 100% of eligible costs for automated demand response measures.
