Frequently asked questions

Questions and answers about self-generation

Who is a self-generator?

Self-generators are Hydro‑Québec customers who produce electricity using equipment they own and operate to meet part or all of their energy needs. Hydro‑Québec offers these customers two support options:

1. Net metering option:
   The net metering option is for customers connected to the Hydro‑Québec grid who want to operate power generation equipment to produce electricity for their own use from renewable sources. This attractive, environmentally-friendly solution can help self-generators optimize their energy use as part of a global vision of energy efficiency.
2. Self-generation without compensation plan:
   The self-generation without compensation plan is for customers connected to the Hydro‑Québec grid who want to operate power generation to produce electricity for their own use, and are not eligible for the net metering option.

How does the net metering rate option work?

This rate option allows eligible self-generators to feed their surplus power into the Hydro‑Québec grid in exchange for credits in kilowatthours. These credits are applied to the self-generator's electricity bill. Inversely, if customers do not generate enough power for their needs, they can draw electricity from the grid and benefit from the reliability of Hydro‑Québec's power supply.

In addition to sending an electricity bill, payable by the due date, Hydro‑Québec sends its self-generation customers a statement with a detailed breakdown of the electricity they have consumed.

How does the self-generation without compensation plan work?

This plan allows customers to generate electricity from any source, while maintaining access to Hydro‑Québec's grid at all times. Customers may also inject surplus power onto Hydro‑Québec's grid without compensation provided they have Hydro‑Québec's approval.

In addition to sending an electricity bill, payable by the due date, Hydro‑Québec sends its self-generation customers a statement with a detailed breakdown of the electricity they have consumed.

What types of customers are eligible for net metering?

Residential or agricultural customers (Rate D or DM, without billed power demand*) and small-power business customers (Rate G, without billed power demand*) who are able to meet their own electricity needs from a renewable energy source can choose the net metering option.

These customers must:

• operate their own generating equipment, located on the same premises as the delivery point specified on their electricity service contract;
• have a compatible communicating meter.

* Less than 50 kW.

What kinds of energy are eligible for the net metering option?

Only renewable energy sources are eligible:

• Hydropower
• Wind power
• Solar energy (photovoltaic)
• Bioenergy (biogas or forest biomass)
• Geothermal energy (for electricity generation only)

Can self-generators sell their electricity to Hydro‑Québec?

No. Current regulations do not allow Hydro‑Québec to buy electricity without a call for tenders. However, self-generators may feed their surplus power into the Hydro‑Québec grid according to certain well-defined criteria. In exchange, Hydro‑Québec will grant credits in kilowatthours to self-generators enrolled in the net metering option. These customers can thus reduce their electricity bills during periods when their consumption exceeds their capacity to generate power.

Are self-generators responsible for the cost of installing their generating equipment?

Yes. Customers must assume all the costs of installing their generating equipment, while complying with the Distributor's commercial and technical requirements.

Does Hydro‑Québec offer any grants to self-generators?

Hydro‑Québec does not provide any financial assistance to customers enrolled in the net metering option or the self-generation without compensation plan.

Why isn’t self-generation financed in Québec like it is in Ontario where self-generators who produce solar power receive $0.42/kWh?

Hydro‑Québec offers the net metering rate option to support self-generation. It is not for the purpose of electricity supply. This option is designed to help customers meet all or part of their energy needs, not to sell their surplus power to the Distributor. In Ontario, the situation is very different. Since that province's energy mix is less diversified, the conditions governing self generation are different.

What happens to the electricity service contract when the self-generator moves or the contract holder changes?

An electricity service request must be submitted to Hydro-Québec by a master electrician or an engineer. The applicant must also submit a new application to enroll in either the Net Metering Option or the self‑generation without compensation plan. We will then inspect and approve the facility. For more details, contact customer services at the number on your electricity bill.

Can a self-generator subscribe to the equalized payments plan (EPP)?

The Equalized Payments Plan (EPP) is not compatible with the Net Metering Option. A customer-generator registered for this option cannot enroll in the EPP. However, with the Self-Generation without Compensation Plan, it is possible for the customer-generator to enroll in the EPP.

Who can customers contact for help in completing the technical sections of the Net Metering Enrollment Application?

Customers can ask a master electrician or an engineering firm. A reference guide [in French only] is also available.

How can I tell how much surplus electricity I have saved in my bank?

Periodically, along with your bill you will receive a consumption statement detailing how much electricity (in kilowatthours) Hydro-Québec supplied to you and how much you injected into the grid. If you have a surplus, it is added to your bank. Your bank will be reset to zero every two years. If you have a positive balance in your surplus bank at the reset date, a credit equivalent to that balance will be applied to your bill, at the price of the average cost of electricity supply set out in the Electricity Rates.

Remember that with self-generation, the idea is for customers to meet their own electricity needs and not to supply power to the Hydro‑Québec grid.

What is the maximum authorized output for an electrical installation that uses the net metering option?

The maximum power is 20 kW for a single-phase facility (120/240 V) and 50 kW for a three-phase facility (347/600 V).

What will the annual output of my solar panels be?

In southern Québec, every kilowatt of installed capacity can generate up to 1,200 kWh a year. Global Solar Atlas Consequently, for a 4-kW facility, a customer with an annual consumption of 25,000 kWh can expect to reduce their yearly Hydro‑Québec electricity bill by 4,800 kWh, a decrease of roughly 19%.

What form of power generation has the smallest environmental footprint in Québec?

Hydropower generation has the smallest environmental footprint.

See Analyse du cycle de vie | Hydro-Québec [PDF - in French only].

Can a self-generator sign up for Hilo?

No. Hilo customers who wish to generate their own electricity must contact Hilo’s customer services to know when their commitment ends.