Since October 7, 2024, the new version of Hydro-Québec’s Efficient Solutions – Simplified Offer program has come into effect. This update directly impacts subsidies for your LED lighting projects, and you’re probably wondering how it will affect your projects.
Don’t worry — we’ve got you covered! Here’s everything you need to know and how to make the most of it.
Who Is Affected by This Update?
If you’re working on a lighting project for a commercial, industrial, agricultural building, or even a new construction, you are directly affected. Version 5.0 modifies the subsidies you can receive for your LED luminaires. Whether you’re an electrician, a contractor, or a building manager, these changes will impact your future projects.
What Changes for You: The Key Points
Are the Subsidies Simpler?
Yes, everything is simpler! The program has been completely streamlined. Gone are the varied amounts based on project type and luminaire specifications. Now, all LED luminaires are divided into two categories with fixed subsidy amounts:
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DLC Premium Luminaires: $40
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DLC Standard Luminaires: $5
However, note that LED tubes are no longer eligible for subsidies. If you had tubes in your projects, you’ll need to consider an alternative.
What Changes for Luminaires
Will My Luminaires Receive More or Less Subsidy?
Since the new program offers a fixed amount for all luminaires, the impact is positive for some and negative for others. Here’s an overview of the average changes by luminaire category:
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Area Light, Flood Light, Sports Light: -75%
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Highbay: -48%
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Panel Light, Linear Fixtures: +22%
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Marine Globe: +128%
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Vapor Tight: +14%
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Wall Pack Full Cutoff and Wall Pack Mini: +48%
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Wall Pack Premium: -52%
In short: If you work with high-power luminaires, you will likely see a significant decrease, but for low-power luminaires, there’s a good increase — particularly for Marine Globes and Linear Fixtures.
And for Projects? What About Different Types of Buildings?
My Project Is in an Existing Building or a New Construction — What Changes?
This new version of the subsidy program has varied impacts depending on the type of project. Here’s the average impact by project type:
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Existing Building, Rate G: -55%
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Existing Building, Other Rates: -31%
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New Building, Rate G: -30%
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New Building, Other Rates: +4%
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Agricultural Projects: +14%
Thus, agricultural projects and some new constructions benefit from this update, while existing buildings under Rate G are most negatively affected.
What’s New: Occupancy and Daylight Sensors
How Does the Change Affect Occupancy Sensors?
In the previous program (Version 4.1), adding Occupancy Sensors (OS) and/or Daylight Sensors (DS) could increase the subsidy by about 30% per luminaire.
In this new Version 5.0, adding sensors now gives access to fixed amounts, depending on the number of luminaires controlled:
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1 to 400 luminaires: $3,600
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401 luminaires and more: $10,800
However, these subsidies are limited to once per building (per meter), even if your project is completed in multiple phases.
Important: If a project has already received a subsidy for luminaires controlled by occupancy sensors within the past 5 years, it is not eligible for this new subsidy.
Moreover, projects already completed with LED luminaires without sensors can now add OS and/or DS to benefit from this new subsidy.
Are Your Current Projects Affected?
I Already Have a Project Underway — Can I Still Benefit from the Old Subsidies?
Yes!
If your projects started before October 7, 2024, you can still benefit from the subsidies of Version 4.1 of the program.
You can obtain the old subsidy amounts as long as you complete your work before submitting your application to Hydro-Québec.
Key dates to determine the project start date:
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Date of the first project invoice;
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Date the purchase order was issued by your client;
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Date of contract signing with the contractor.
In Summary: What You Need to Remember
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Version 5.0 of the subsidy program brings significant reductions for high-power luminaires, but becomes more advantageous for low-power luminaires.
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Existing commercial buildings generally receive much lower subsidies, while some new constructions benefit slightly.
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The most positive impact is for agricultural projects.
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Adding occupancy sensors to projects with a few dozen luminaires is now very well subsidized.
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Office buildings under Hydro-Québec rates other than G and featuring large quantities of Panel Lights are now better subsidized under this new program.
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The impact is highly variable, and we are here to ensure you maximize your benefits from this new program.
For ongoing projects, make sure to benefit from the old subsidies before it’s too late!
For more information about 2025 subsidies, visit Hydro-Québec’s website.
Contact us now to learn how to take full advantage of this new program and receive your updated subsidy list!
