Helisis: pioneering the transition to dual energy in the multi-residential sector
As the owner and manager of more than 500 housing units in the Greater Montreal Area, Helisis constantly seeks to optimize its energy use to reduce its energy bill and the carbon footprint of its housing stock. That is why it did not hesitate to convert two of its properties to dual energy with the goal of making them models for its other buildings. Let’s look back on a successful experiment.
“The management of our buildings is based on a long-term, even generational vision,” said Kai Zhang, Chief Operating Officer at Helisis. “With this in mind, we are constantly looking to reduce our energy consumption, not only to reduce our operating costs but also to contribute to Quebec’s decarbonization targets by reducing our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Dual energy is an obvious solution that enables us to meet both objectives.”
Surround yourself with the right people to succeed
In March 2023, Helisis began its conversion process by assembling a project team that included Michael Gauthier of Construction Gauthier, a general contractor who has been working with Helisis for several years, and Allard et Ricard, an Énergir partner specializing in plumbing, heating, gas, radiant floors and geothermal energy.
Helisis’s goal was to assess the feasibility of converting two of its buildings on Rue Sainte-Famille, in the Plateau Mont-Royal borough (20 and 31 units, respectively) to dual energy. This exploratory phase enabled the team to model a solution. When the grant program launched (it can cover up to 80% of premium costs1) in November 2023, the team pulled the trigger.
A grant that simplifies the decision
“Despite the technical and coordination challenges of switching to dual energy, we were among the first to sign up for the offer. The grant program was key to this decision, as were the anticipated potential savings,” Mr. Zhang said.
A well-thought-out technical solution
The dual energy system in the Rue Sainte-Famille buildings came online in December 2024. It consists of two high-temperature air-to-water heat pumps and an electric boiler, as well as two 950 MBH natural gas boilers that previously provided central heating to the buildings. Three-phase 600V, 200A electrical inputs (plus transformers) were installed in each of the two buildings to power the new equipment. Thanks to dual energy, the system uses electricity about 70% of the consumption and switches to natural gas when the temperature dips to (and below) -12°C. In addition, because the system combines central heating and individual electric baseboards in the units, tenants will come out ahead. “That was one of our initial goals,” Mr. Zhang said. “By optimizing our heating, we indirectly reduce tenants’ bills because better control can be achieved, especially during transition periods.”
The importance of support
“We were one of the first multi-unit building managers to embark on a dual energy project. It was new to us and to the other stakeholders. Fortunately, they have all shown tremendous initiative in supporting us and making sure this conversion succeeds,” Mr. Zhang said.
In addition to Construction Gauthier’s expertise in carrying out the work, Helisis was able to rely on Allard et Ricard to develop the best possible technical solution, install the equipment, and help Helisis with its grant application. “Working with an Énergir partner rather than an outside firm greatly simplified the process of applying for financial assistance,” Mr. Zhang says.
Helisis also received a vital assist from Énergir’s representative on this project. “She helped us make sure that we were going in the right direction. For example, she walked us through technical specifications and helped us choose equipment that is covered by the grant,” says Mr. Zhang.
A project that foretells the future
Helisis has given itself a year to assess the system’s performance, but is already pleased with its decision. “This first conversion to dual energy was intended to serve as a model for other buildings in our building stock. Now that we have “broken the ice,” we expect that our future conversion projects will be much easier to carry out,” Mr. Zhang said.
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1 Grant amounts cannot exceed 80% of the premium cost of purchasing and installing the equipment. Costs for required electrical work may be added to the cost of purchasing and installing the equipment. Certain conditions apply to the grant program.
2 Grant amount is unique to each project, and is based on the estimated costs of carrying out the project. It is calculated on the basis of the equipment installed and its power output, and can cover up to 80% of the estimated additional costs of the project, to a maximum of $250,000 per site. To find out more, visit our web page Energir | Grants
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