The purchase price of renewable natural gas (RNG) distributed by Énergir varies by supplier and is governed by contract. The annual price for RNG sold to our customers is based on the average of these contract amounts. The price is set annually as part of the Rate Case.

Unlike traditional natural gas, no Cap and Trade System (CATS) fees are added to your RNG consumption at this time.

Fixed price

If you have opted for the fixed-price option for your natural gas supply service, you can still choose to consume RNG. Contact us for more information.

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To understand the price of natural gas, you need to understand its five components: natural gas supply, transportation, load balancing, distribution and cap-and-trade emission allowances system.

Supply

The supply is the natural gas itself, the fuel. The price fluctuates according to market supply and demand. The supply price is modified monthly. We bill you the same as what we pay the producers.

Learn more on gas supply (PDF)

Transportation

This is the service that sends the natural gas through pipelines from the production sites to Quebec , the territory served by Énergir. The transportation prices are modified when Énergir transportation suppliers modify their own prices. We bill this service at the same price as what we pay the transportation companies.

Learn more on transportation (PDF)

Load balancing

Load balancing means managing the variations between summer and winter consumption and natural gas storage management. This component's price is modified annually, at the beginning of October. Énergir bills this component at the same price that the load balancing tools are bought from suppliers.

Learn more on load-balancing (PDF)

Distribution

This is the natural gas delivery service through our distribution network. You are assigned a rate based on your comsuption. The distribution price is modified annually. Énergir's earnings come exclusively from this component of your bill.

Learn more on distribution (PDF)

Cap-and-trade emission allowances services

The emission allowance cost for the natural gas combustion, which varies each month. Cap-and-Trade System is an economic tool of the Québec government aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Fuels consumed in Québec are covered by the Cap-and-Trade System through energy distributors like Énergir. The sums collected will be invested by the government in, among other things, measures aimed at combating climate change.

Two components, supply and cap and-trade emission allowances system, are not regulated and follow market supply and demand. Their prices are modified monthly (or quarterly in the case of cap-and-trade emission allowances system from january 1, 2024). The distribution, load balancing, transportation and gas from renewable sources supply services are reviewed each year by Énergir. Any change in the tariffs has to be approved by the Régie de l’énergie.

Énergir introduced the Socialization Fee, a charge to spread the costs associated with unsold renewable natural gas (RNG) volumes among the voluntary customers.

Énergir has a regulatory obligation to deliver a certain amount of RNG in its system (2% in 2023, 5% in 2025 and 10% in 2030). So if customers don’t voluntarily purchase enough RNG, Énergir has to make up the shortfall, socializing the volume from customers not purchasing the minimum amount required by the regulation (2% for 2023).

What is the socialization fee?

The socialization fee is 0.133¢/m³ for the 2024–2025 rate case.

However, this fee will be minimal and should represent less than 0.5% of your bill.

Customers subject to it will not be exempt from the SPEDE socialization fee, unlike voluntary RNG purchasers.

Customers exempt from the RNG socialization fee

Customers whose RNG purchases are equal to or greater than the regulatory target (2% RNG in 2023) on each billing cycle of the 2025 fiscal year are not subject to the RNG socialization fee.

The Régie de l’énergie has approved Énergir’s Conditions of Service and Tariff. These terms apply to all of our customers and set out the conditions related to: natural gas services provided, billing and payment options, various applicable tariffs and rights and responsibilities.

Conditions of Service and Tariff effective as of December 1, 2023 (PDF)

Earlier versions

Effective as of December 1, 2022 (PDF)
Effective as of December 1, 2021 (PDF)
Effective as of December 1, 2020 (PDF)
Effective as of December 1, 2019 (PDF)

The distribution rate is the natural gas delivery service through our distribution network. You are assigned a rate based on your consumption. The general distribution rate (D₁) is described below.

Applicability of the rate

• Offered to all
• No restrictions on level of consumption (no limit, no obligation to consume)
• Applicable to customers who do not have a sufficient volume to be eligible for other tariffs
• Advantageous for customers with an irregular or unpredictable consumption profile

Cost

The cost of the general distribution service is the sum of the two factors described below.

Basic fees

• Constitute the fixed portion of the bill
• Vary according to annual volume withdrawn
• Billed per metering equipment according to the number of days in the billing period

Unit price by volume withdrawn

• Variable portion of the bill
• Billed according to volume withdrawn during the billing period
• The higher the volume, the lower the unit price.

Volumes in excess of 100% of the subscribed volume

When the volume withdrawn during the billing period exceeds 100% of the subscribed volume, the excess volume is billed in accordance with the general distribution service D₁.

Unauthorized withdrawals

A stiff penalty applies when the volume withdrawn during the billing period exceeds 150% of the subscribed volume.

Learn more about the general distribution rate (PDF)

Applicability of the rate

• A commitment to a subscribed volume of at least 333 m ³ per day
• Applicable to customers whose annual consumption volume is at least 75,000m ³ and whose utilization coefficient (annual volume divided by daily peak volume x 365 days) is at least 60%
• Advantageous for customers with a relatively stable monthly consumption profile

Cost of stable distribution service D ₃

The cost of the stable distribution service D ₃ is the sum of the elements described below.

Minimum daily obligation (MDO)

• Constitutes the fixed portion of the bill
• Established based on subscribed volume (SV)
• Billed based on the number of days in the billing period
• The cost goes down when the subscribed volume increases and the average unit price becomes advantageous when consumption is stable.

Unit price by volume withdrawn

• Variable portion of the bill
• Billed according to volume withdrawn during the billing period
• A reduction in the MDO, as well as the unit price on the volume withdrawn, is granted when the customer signs a contract with a term of at least 12 months.

Volumes in excess of 100% of the subscribed volume

When the volume withdrawn during the billing period exceeds 100% of the subscribed volume, the excess volume is billed in accordance with the general distribution service D ₁ .

Unauthorized withdrawals

A stiff penalty applies when the volume withdrawn during the billing period exceeds 150% of the subscribed volume.

Revisions to subscribed volume

Depending on certain conditions, annual revisions may be made to the subscribed volume.

Combination rate

Combining Stable Rate D ₃ with an interruptible tariff may be possible, depending on the annual volume withdrawn.

Learn more about the stable volume service (PDF)

To help you better understand the different components of pricing, see the PDF document below.

• Example of calculations General Distribution Rate D1 (PDF)
• Example of calculations Stable service Rate D3 (PDF)
  

By default, the supply service is provided by Énergir, who buys and supplies natural gas to its customers.

The price offered by Énergir reflects the actual supply acquisition cost, so Énergir does not make a profit from this service.

Énergir’s price is calculated monthly and approved by the Régie de l’énergie. It varies from month to month.

Customers wishing to stabilize their supply cost can ask Énergir to arrange for an independent supplier to supply them at a fixed price.

 Why choose a fixed-price supply?

The fixed-price service model is similar to a fixed-rate mortgage, in the sense that you have a predictable monthly payment for your natural gas supply.

The main aim of the fixed-price supply service is budget stability, not savings. 

How does the fixed-price supply service work?

• You agree on a price, period and terms with the participating supplier of your choice and sign an agreement with Énergir regarding, among other things, the price agreed upon with the supplier. To confirm your request, you need to sign and return the confirmation letter that Énergir sends you within the prescribed time.

• On the agreement start date, Énergir purchases natural gas for you from the participating supplier at the agreed price and terms.

• Énergir bills you the natural gas at the price agreed upon with the supplier for the term of the agreement, without any surcharges.

What are the terms for enrolment?

• For you to be eligible for the fixed-price supply service, your annual consumption must be between 7,500 m³ and 1,168,000 m³.

• Existing customers must have used Énergir’s supply service for a minimum of 12 months. New customers can also opt for the fixed price.

• The confirmation letter must be sent at least 60 days in advance.
• Customers can combine a fixed-price supply agreement with renewable natural gas (RNG) purchase percentages.

• To confirm your enrollment to the fixed price natural gas service, you must sign and return the Confirmation sheet.To help you make an informed decision, take note that this confirmation sheet presents the history of the regulated monthly variable price.

Fixed-price natural gas suppliers
 
You may choose the participating supplier of your choice, but we encourage you to be well informed and compare the proposed gas prices with Énergir’s before making a commitment. Consult the list of participating suppliers and our tips for making an informed choice.

Natural gas suppliers

What is direct purchase?

You purchase your natural gas supply directly from the supplier of your choice, according to the agreement you have with them. You must have gas delivered consistently throughout the year based on your average annual consumption.

How does direct purchase work?

Direct purchase can be done with or without transfer of ownership. Here is the difference between the two options:

• Direct purchase without transfer of ownership

You deliver your natural gas to Énergir, who then transports it to your facilities.

Since you are the owner of the natural gas, Énergir does not bill you for the supply service.

At the end of the contract period, if there is a delivery surplus, the natural gas will be purchased by Énergir and, if there is a delivery shortage, it will be sold to you.

• Direct purchase with transfer of ownership

You sell and deliver the amount of natural gas purchased from the supplier to Énergir at the current supply price. Énergir then transports it to your facilities.

Énergir resells the natural gas to you, billing you the supply service price for your consumption.

What are the conditions of use?

To use direct purchase, you must meet certain criteria as defined in our Conditions of Service and Tariff:

• You must inform us at least 60 days in advance.

• Existing customers must have used Énergir’s supply service for a minimum of 12 months. New customers can also opt for direct purchase.

Other natural gas suppliers and stakeholders

You may choose the participating supplier or stakeholder of your choice, but we encourage you to be well informed and compare the proposed prices with Énergir’s before making a commitment. Consult the list of participating suppliers and our tips for making an informed choice.

Natural gas suppliers