How much funding can energy management projects get in Quebec?

By GrantHub Research Team · · Lire en français

How much funding can energy management projects get in Quebec?

If your business operates in Quebec and uses fossil fuels, energy costs are likely a growing concern. The province’s ÉcoPerformance — Energy management stream helps organizations adopt structured energy management systems. Eligible projects can receive significant funding support.

The short answer: Energy management projects in Quebec can receive up to $320,000 per site, covering as much as 75% of eligible costs, depending on the type of expense and how complete your project plan is. Each funding category has its own cap, so it’s important to understand the breakdown before you apply.


Funding amounts under the ÉcoPerformance energy management stream

The ÉcoPerformance — Energy management stream is a program from the Government of Quebec. It helps businesses set up energy management systems based on ISO 50001 principles. Funding is divided into several cost categories, each with a specific maximum amount.

Maximum funding by expense category

You can receive up to $320,000 per site. The breakdown is as follows:

  • Hiring an energy manager:
    Up to $10,000 for designating or hiring a staff member to manage energy.

  • Energy management training and ISO 50001 preparation:
    Up to $50,000 for training employees on energy management and ISO 50001 standards.

  • Coaching and consulting services:
    Up to $100,000 for external experts who help with system implementation, audits, and certification preparation.

  • Measurement equipment and energy monitoring tools:
    Up to $150,000 for equipment like meters, sensors, data systems, and programming to track energy use and results.

  • ISO 50001 certification:
    Up to $10,000 to pay for certification by an accredited body.

The program covers up to 75% of eligible costs in each category. If your project costs are lower, you may receive less than the maximum in each area.

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you check which expenses qualify and estimate your possible funding based on your project and industry. This tool also highlights other Quebec energy programs you may be eligible for.


What kinds of projects qualify for this level of funding?

This funding is meant for businesses that want to put a full energy management system in place, not just make small upgrades. To qualify for the higher funding amounts, your project must meet several requirements:

  • Your site must be in Quebec
  • Your operations must use fossil fuels or create fugitive greenhouse gas emissions
  • You cannot already have ISO 50001 certification
  • The energy management system must cover most or all of your site
  • Senior management must:
    • Sign an energy policy
    • Appoint a management representative for energy
    • Designate an energy manager
    • Create an energy management team
  • You must develop a three-year continuous improvement plan

Because of these requirements, the program is often used by manufacturers, large commercial buildings, institutional facilities, and companies with more than one location.


Is the funding repayable or non-repayable?

It’s important to know how the financial support works.

  • The ÉcoPerformance energy management stream provides non-repayable financial assistance. This means you do not have to pay the funding back if you meet the program’s requirements.
  • You must follow your approved project plan and submit results to keep the funding non-repayable.

Since the funding is non-repayable, it can cover up to 75% of your eligible costs. This can make it much easier to start a full energy management system without a large upfront investment.


Common mistakes to avoid

1. Thinking small upgrades are enough
Just replacing equipment does not qualify. Your project must focus on a site-wide energy management system.

2. Applying if you already have ISO 50001 certification
If your site already holds this certification, you are not eligible for this stream.

3. Forgetting to budget for monitoring equipment
Many applicants miss out on funding because they do not include enough measurement and monitoring tools, which is a key funding category.

4. Missing management commitment
Applications often fail if you do not include a signed energy policy or the required management roles.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the maximum funding for energy management projects in Quebec?
Up to $320,000 per site under the ÉcoPerformance energy management stream, covering as much as 75% of eligible costs.

Q: Can small and medium-sized businesses apply?
Yes. There is no strict size limit. Your Quebec site must use fossil fuels or generate GHG emissions and meet the program’s rules.

Q: Do I need ISO 50001 certification before applying?
No. You must not already be certified. The funding helps you set up the system and get certified.

Q: Does the project have to cover the whole facility?
Yes, it must cover most or all of the site. Projects for just one department or area are usually not eligible.

Q: How long should the project last?
You need to submit a three-year continuous improvement plan with your application.


Next steps

If you want to estimate how much funding your energy management project could receive, check the ÉcoPerformance energy management stream’s caps for each cost category. Make sure your project meets all eligibility rules before applying. GrantHub tracks hundreds of grant programs across Canada, including Quebec energy and climate funding, so you can find the programs that best fit your business and project.

See also:

  • Waste Heat Recovery Funding in Quebec: How It Supports the Energy Transition
  • Agri-Environmental Funding in Quebec: Eligibility Across Programs
  • Eligible Expenses Under Regional Economic Development Grants in Quebec (CED)

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