Hydro-Québec and the provincial government have launched a $350-million energy efficiency initiative to lower electricity bills for low-income tenants across the province.
The program aims to install high-performance heat pumps in up to 120,000 qualifying households. It’s the first energy efficiency measure of its kind tailored to low-income tenants, a demographic previously restricted from installing the structural change.
On average, the initiative is projected to reduce monthly electricity bills for participating households by 20 per cent, roughly $250 in annual savings.
The initiative combines $158 million funding from the Government of Quebec’s Fonds d’électrification et de changements climatiques (FECC) from Hydro-Québec’s $10 billion, 10-year energy efficiency strategy.
The program uses a cost-sharing framework to incentivize property owners. On average, Hydro-Québec will fund roughly 55 per cent of the costs, on a house-by-house basis, with landlords responsible for the remaining 45 per cent.
Hydro-Québec says they are working with local groups to monitor participant data and prevent tenant displacement. The savings are designated to benefit the renter paying the electrical bill, the utility stated, so landlords cannot use the installation to justify raising monthly rent.
“It will target obviously building owners to encourage them and give them that incentive to install these heat pumps,” said Pascale Déry, minister of Environment and Climate Change. “At the end of the day, [tenants] will be able to benefit from the $250 they’re saving. So, I think it’s a win-win for everybody.”
Heat pumps function as ambient air circulators. During the winter, the systems transfer thermal energy from the outside air to the interior. In the summer, the process reverses to provide air conditioning. By producing more heat with less energy used, the pumps reduce overall residential consumption while maintaining comfort during extreme heat waves and winter cold snaps.
Four per cent of residential homes in Quebec installed a heat pump last year, 165,000 houses.
Electricity saved will be redirected to support wider provincial electrification projects, reinvesting in the province.
Local reactions to the announcement highlighted both optimism and a desire for further procedural clarity.
“I think it’s a good idea,” said Montrealer, Josh. “I don’t know how much it’s going to cost or how it’s going to affect my electricity bill. I’d like to know some information beforehand… but I think it’s a good idea, especially in the summer when the heat wave comes.”
Solomon, another resident said his hydro bill was too high and that he doubted the changes would be tangible, “I need to hear based on the data collected this time… and demonstration clear. Something clear. Not just make some assertion like a politician.”
To qualify, the property must meet specific structural criteria. Hydro-Québec will identify and prioritize specific geographic zones across the province for deployment.
