Help balance the grid and lower your electricity bills during peak demand periods. These programs pay large customers to temporarily reduce power use during critical winter hours.

💰 Financial Incentives

  • No fixed rate — compensation is based on measured load reduction
  • Typical value: up to $100 per kW curtailed per winter season
  • Payments depend on the program, level of commitment, and actual performance

🧩 Who Qualifies?

  • Large commercial, institutional, and industrial Hydro‑Québec clients
  • Must have flexible non-critical loads that can be reduced (e.g., HVAC, process systems)
  • Residential and small businesses can participate through Hilo, Hydro‑Québec’s smart platform

🛠️ How It Works

✅ For direct participants:

  • Hydro Québec notifies you during forecasted peak events
  • You temporarily reduce electricity usage (e.g., lighting, equipment, HVAC)
  • Real-time consumption is monitored and verified
  • Payment is based on actual kW reduced during the event

✅ Program Options:

  • Direct Demand Response Agreement (commercial/industrial): Tailored contracts with Hydro‑Québec
  • Hilo Platform (residential/small commercial): Automated load shedding via smart devices

⚙️ Program Benefits

  • Reduce energy bills without major equipment upgrades
  • Get rewarded for existing operational flexibility
  • Supports Québec’s clean energy goals and grid stability

🧷 Can Be Combined With

  • Solutions Efficaces (e.g., lighting or HVAC upgrades)
  • Hilo smart controls for automated participation
  • Federal accelerated capital cost allowance (CCA Class 43.1/43.2) if adding control equipment

🚫 Not Stackable With

  • You cannot claim the same kW reduction under multiple contracts or programs
  • No conflict with other Hydro‑Québec programs as long as M&V is kept separate

📞 Get Paid to Power Down

We help clients assess curtailment potential, set up M&V strategies, and register with Hydro‑Québec’s DR programs.

📅 Book a Demand Response Audit 📥 Download Program Overview